hi there
 please could you help me with this information. i am wanting to bye a
clarice cliff vase that i have seen in an antique shop. i am aware
that there are many fakes on the market and so wanting to make sure
its the real thing.its a pale grey/creamy  white base glaze with two
parrots, one green and one blue on the side in some foliage. the
parrots are three d rather than painted onto the vase.i think this is
the best way to describe it.i have looked on some clarice cliff
websites but have not been able to get any info about this particular
piece. the vase is signed underneath.the price they are asking is
about 250 pounds.would be gratefull for some info about the vase and
if it is indeed genuine.
thanx 
lilac

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Request for Question Clarification by leli-ga on 23 Apr 2003 12:54 PDT

Hi lilacrose and thanks for your question.

Only an expert handling the vase could be sure whether or not it was
genuine, but a researcher might be able to help you out with
information on the type of vase and possible value, which may be
rather less than the £250 you mention.

If you would like this sort of answer, understanding that we can't
actually judge the quality of the particular vase you're talking
about, could you answer these points?

1 Does your vase have a ribbed surface texture?
2 Is the glaze matt rather than shiny?

Thanks - Leli

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Clarification of Question by lilacrose-ga on 24 Apr 2003 01:41 PDT

hi leli
thanx for the feedback,yes the vase does have a ribbed surface and the
glaze is a mat finish.
let me know if you need any further info.
thanx 
lilac

Hello again lilac

Thanks for your message.

Clarice Cliff produced a range of "Lovebirds" vases, jugs and bowls in
the 1930s. Typical examples have that ribbed effect we've already
discussed, a creamy background, matt glaze and two lovebirds with a
branch and/or leaves. The dictionary explains that lovebirds are "Old
World parrots". They are known for affection to their partners, which
is why they are usually depicted in a pair and, of course, why they
have the name lovebirds. The 3D birds are often described as "moulded"
or "in relief". Although I have found one saleroom calling them
parrots, others may call them budgerigars.

I really don't know why this series is not included in the lists of
designs on the main Clarice Cliff websites. The only online pictures
I've found (apart from a fake and an ebay offering) come with this
comment:

Clarice Cliff issued a whole series of these 'Budgerigar' or 'Love
Bird' wares in the late 1930s (1937 - 1939). The items have a ribbed
body, matt glaze and two birds on a branch, which is wrapped around
the item. They were fairly successful when available and are still
quite common today. Most items in the range sell for under £150.

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Qs) about Clarice Cliff Pottery
(scroll down the page)
http://www.claricecliff.com/FAQs/


PRICE

That brings us to the question of price. It seems it would be unusual
for a vase of this type to fetch as much as £250 at auction. Here are
some sale estimates and reports which should be relevant.


"A Clarice Cliff vase, the ribbed body moulded in relief with parrots
perched on a branch, printed factory mark to base, height approx 20.
5cm.   £100-150"
Rupert Toovey Auctioneers and Valuers (past sale)
://www.google.co.uk/search?q=cache:c7cETVeUUEwC:users.sagehost.co.uk/rupert-toovey/cat%2520pages/ceramics%2520pages/ceramics1521-1560.htm+%22clarice+cliff%22+lovebirds+OR+budgerigars&hl=en&ie=UTF-8


"A pair of the very available Lovebirds vases made £329."
Remember that a pair usually goes for more than double the price of a
single vase.
Christie's Nov 3 2000
http://www.claricecliff.com/christies/Nov2000/results.htm


"A Clarice Cliff pottery bowl moulded with budgerigars, slight damage,
printed mark. Estimate £40-60"
John Bellman August 2002 sale
http://www.thesaurus.co.uk/bellman/xq/asp/SaleID.1081447/qx/sale.htm

"Clarice Cliff  Vase  Green & Yellow Budgies, 12 1/4 In.  1997 price
available if you register (free)."
http://pages.kovels.com/55/InventoryPage/1157/4.html

"A CLARICE CLIFF BUDGERIGAR VASE, painted in blue/green and yellow on
a cream ground, printed mark, 10.5in. (26.5cms) long £50-75"
Morphets Auctioneers and Valuers March 2003
http://www.morphets.co.uk/salemar2003/sale18.htm

Jug on ebay for £50
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2629787733&category=#DESC


IS IT GENUINE?

I know you realise we cannot answer that question, but I thought you
might like some links about Clarice Cliff fakes and stamps.

A fake Lovebirds jug:
http://www.claricecliff.com/fakes/sept99_b.htm

"Please REMEMBER if you are in any doubt about the quality or
authenticity of any CC item you can always drop us an email (include a
picture if possible) and we will be happy to advise you." (bottom of
page)
http://www.claricecliff.com/fakes/index.htm

CC backstamps
http://www.claricecliff.com/about/patterns/backstamps/index.htm

CC fakes
http://www.claricecliff.co.uk/fakes/index.html


EXTRA INFORMATION

Dictionary definition of lovebird:
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=lovebird&r=67

"Clarice Cliff Budgerigar vase,, the moulded ribbed tapered body with
a pair of yellow green and blue budgerigars perched on an ivy strand
with grey painted ivy decoration leading to a flared ribbed foot 12in
high."
Price available to subscribers:
http://www.invaluable.com/kidson-trigg/xq/asp/SaleID.1081646/qx/sale.htm


I hope this is useful. Please don't hesitate to ask if I can help
clarify anything and I'll do my best to help. And if you do buy the
vase, enjoy it!


Leli


searches:
"clarice cliff" lovebirds
"clarice cliff" parrots
"clarice cliff" birds
"clarice cliff" budgerigars

thanx leli
great research, answered all my questions .I will definitly be back
some time in the future.
apprecaited
lilac

Many thanks, lilac, for your nice message and five stars. 
I look forward to seeing you here again.

Leli