1930s Art Deco Clarice Cliff "Spring Crocus" Plate (1935–1939)

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An authentic 1930s Art Deco hand-painted ceramic serving tray designed by celebrated English ceramic artist Clarice Cliff for Newport Pottery. … Read more An authentic 1930s Art Deco hand-painted ceramic serving tray designed by celebrated English ceramic artist Clarice Cliff for Newport Pottery. This piece showcases Cliff's iconic and hugely celebrated "Spring Crocus" pattern, rendered in bold, vibrant brushstrokes of blue, yellow, and soft pink blooms accented with crisp green leaves. The hand-painted floral motifs are arranged in three balanced clusters around a central pale-green recessed well, framed by a matching pastel green rim and finished with elegant tab handles on either side.

Designer Spotlight: Clarice Cliff (b. 1899)

A pioneer of British Art Deco, Clarice Cliff broke the mold of early 20th-century ceramic design. Starting in Staffordshire's industrial potteries at age 13, her relentless ambition and sharp design eye quickly elevated her from factory apprentice to chief designer at A.J. Wilkinson’s. Best known for her radical, hand-painted geometric motifs and rich glazes, Cliff’s work effortlessly bridges the gap between historic craftsmanship and modern interior styling. Whether anchored on a mantel, layered in a curated bookcase, or displayed as a standalone centerpiece, her iconic forms lend instant pedigree, vibrant color, and graphic presence to both contemporary and traditional spaces.

Art Deco Iconography: The Vogue Editor's Choice

Few decorative objects bridge historical importance and modern relevance as effortlessly as Clarice Cliff ceramics. Celebrated for their radical geometry and fearless glazes, her interwar creations are prized by discerning collectors for their transformational visual impact. Among her most prominent devotees is Vogue Global Editorial Director Anna Wintour, an avid collector who pairs Cliff’s vibrant ceramics against the tailored, Swedish-gray backdrops of her New York office and private homes. Evolving from utilitarian tabletop items into iconic Art Deco treasures, these pieces offer instant pedigree and high-contrast elegance to any contemporary layout. See less