- Style/technique: Pictorial transfer print
- Manufacturer: Mintons China Works
- Dimensions: 8" x 8"
- Date: circa 1880
One of a series of eight musicians playing classical
instruments introduced around 1877, this of a woman
playing a kithara. A great design by Moyr Smith, the
blocks of colour, restrained design and larger dimensions
make this tile a very accessible piece of art.
To my mind the best of the reasonably often found Moyr
Smith series which definitely benefits from the larger
scale compared to six inch series. Only produced in four
colourways according to the record and catalogue but on
odd occassions another colourway emerges, single colour
outline print examples are known. Colourways are
generally more variable due to variations in clay colour
(buff was most often used) as well as print. This the
only example I have seen of this colourway which is not
mentioned in Anne Marie Stapleton's book on the life and
work of Moyr Smith. The clay is celedon (light green) and
note the background is not coloured with the usual
blue.
Definitely a rarity, will attract interest in many
collections of Moyr Smith's work. Without the background
the vision is of a very clear style, somewhat akin to
Walter Crane's contemporary work.
- Condition: Excellent
- Price: £320 (approx $475)
- Ref: 03347
Slight damage to three corners, a couple of other tiny
chips. Marks left edge are manufacturing flaws.