Ceramic Arts Studio Betty Harrington Design Barbie Large 7 1/4" Head Vase 1950-1956

ITEM DESCRIPTION

This Ceramic Arts Studio Barbie Head Vase is in Very Good Vintage Condition. NOTE: There is light crazing at the back of the neck and an underglaze chip on the bonnet (SEE pictures with pen). Made in Madison, Wisconsin, this beautiful figural head vase was designed by noted Ceramic Arts Studio designer Betty Harrington and dates from 1950 to 1956.

This Ceramic Arts Studio piece comes from an exceptional lifetime collection of well over 1,000 pieces, including figurines, salt-and-pepper shakers, head vases, and other Ceramic Arts Studio designs. Carefully assembled over many years, the collection represents an extraordinary gathering of Ceramic Arts Studio pieces. We were very fortunate to acquire more than 500 pieces from this collection and are pleased to make them available to our buyers.

Barbie depicts an elegant young woman wearing a dramatic wide-brimmed bonnet finished in soft ivory with a ruffled coral-pink border. Her glossy black hair is beautifully sculpted beneath the bonnet, framing her delicate hand-painted facial features.

Her softly shaded complexion, rosy cheeks, painted eyelashes, arched eyebrows, and subtle pink lips give Barbie the expressive appearance associated with Betty Harrington's Ceramic Arts Studio designs. A coordinating ivory and coral-pink ruffled neckline with delicate dark accenting completes the design.

The underside carries the Ceramic Arts Studio Madison, Wisconsin mark and is clearly identified as "BARBIE."

ITEM CONDITION

Very Good Vintage Condition.

NOTE: There is light crazing at the back of the neck and an underglaze chip on the bonnet (SEE pictures with pen). The chip is beneath the glaze and occurred during the manufacturing process.

Please review the photographs carefully, as they are an important part of the description and show the condition and hand-painted details of this vintage piece.

ITEM DETAILS

Maker: Ceramic Arts Studio

Designer: Betty Harrington

Design: Barbie

Type: Head Vase

Material: Glazed Ceramic

Height: 7 1/4"

Date: 1950-1956

Origin: Madison, Wisconsin, USA

Mark: Ceramic Arts Studio Madison, Wis. / Barbie

DESIGNER HISTORY

Betty Harrington was the principal designer for Ceramic Arts Studio of Madison, Wisconsin, during its celebrated 1940s and 1950s period. Beginning her association with the studio in 1942, Harrington created hundreds of imaginative figurines and decorative pieces known for their distinctive personalities, expressive faces and whimsical Mid-Century styling. Her designs remain highly collectible today and are an important part of American ceramic history.

PATTERN & DESIGN

Barbie is a wonderful example of Betty Harrington's elegant figural head vase designs for Ceramic Arts Studio. Her dramatically oversized bonnet creates a striking silhouette, while the softly ruffled edge and coordinating neckline add dimension and feminine detail.

The soft ivory and coral-pink coloring contrasts beautifully with Barbie's glossy black hair and finely hand-painted facial features. Her downcast eyes, long painted eyelashes, rosy cheeks, and gentle expression give the figure a particularly graceful character.

Standing an impressive 7 1/4" high, Barbie is a beautiful example of Betty Harrington's mid-century Ceramic Arts Studio head vases and makes a striking display piece.

This measures 7 1/8" High x 4 1/4" Wide base. I have provided many pictures to best describe the condition of this Figurine.