Vintage Arthur Court Cast Aluminum Marlin Pitcher, 1977

Details

Description

A striking and highly collectible figurative pitcher by Arthur Court, the celebrated San Francisco designer known for his cast aluminum … Read more A striking and highly collectible figurative pitcher by Arthur Court, the celebrated San Francisco designer known for his cast aluminum entertaining pieces. Dated 1977 on the base — early production from one of Court's most iconic forms.

The pitcher is sculpted as a leaping marlin or swordfish, with the open bill forming the dramatic V-shaped pour spout and a coiled fish-tail handle complete with its own scaled head and glass eye detail. The body transitions from sleek, highly polished flanks into deeply textured fish scales at the lower register, terminating in a wave-form base. A warm amber glass cabochon serves as the eye — intact and luminous.

Cast aluminum with a bright mirror polish on the exterior. Interior shows the expected darkening consistent with age and use — characteristic of the material and not considered a flaw by collectors familiar with the form.

Measures 7.5" W × 5.25" D × 12" H.

A natural fit for a bar-ware collection, a Hollywood Regency bar cart, or any interior that prizes sculptural wit alongside functional form. Arthur Court pieces from this era are increasingly sought by collectors of American studio decorative arts. See less