Posted 4 years ago
Rogueroman
(96 items)
I have had these for several years and after our remodel finally brought them out of storage. It is a male and female figure, Caribbean perhaps. They each stand approximately 16" high with the base. They appear to be terra cotta clay that has been cold painted. She has a bowl with fruit in her hands. I don't know if the covering on her head is supposed to be hair or some sort of head cover. The Female figure is 15" tall x 4 1/2" across and about 4" deep. She is mounted on a dark brown lacquered wood stand that is 4 3/8" in diameter x 1" thick.
The Male figure is also 15" tall x 5" across x 4" deep and is also mounted on a dark brown lacquered wood stand (the lacquer has come off of this stand in several places) that is also 4 3/8" diameter x 1" thick. He is shirtless and wearing a head piece or hat and holding fruit in his arms. Both figures are mounted to the wood bases with what looks like treaded lamp pipe and a nut. I think the pipe was used as part of an armature for the figures - in the photo of the bottom of the female figure you can also see bent copper wire on either side of the pipe.
They are unmarked. I love these pieces and have been trying to identify the maker and their age. This is the first time I've actually posted them anywhere and I am hoping someone may have some information. Thank you in advance/
I think the theme might be harvesting or the harvest. Figurines look really familiar, particularly the eyes. Searched Images for the last hour but came up with nothing. You’re certain it’s cold paint rather than glaze? (that’s what is really throwing me)
Saw y0ur comment on the wire, are they solid cast?
Greetings. They do appear to be solid cast as they are rather heavy and because of the wire and the lamp pipe. I can't swear that they are cold painted but for some reason it just doesn't feel like a fired glaze. It has crazing like ceramic but there appear to be some small areas where it looks like it is lifting - almost like the paint or lacquer on the base of the male figure.
I think you will be able to learn more by Googling "blackamoor" and "deco" and perhaps "lamp" , "pottery" "figures" - I've owned several items in this style - I believe they are from the 1950s but folks with more expertise may disagree. Otherwise - Very nice! If I come across additional info I'll let you know..
I discovered a pair of these, though painted differently, on an old auction site. The only information they gave was 1930s and Czechoslovakian but nothing more. I am still looking for more information in the hopes of confirming they are Czech or identifying the maker.