S. Hancock & Sons Rubens Ware “Pomegranate” Bowl

Art and Decorative

SOLD

A Rubens Ware bowl in the Pomegranate pattern by Sampson Hancock & Sons of Stoke-on-Trent, England. A lovely decorative piece, standing on a moulded pedestal and rather Art Deco in style. The exterior is hand painted with a vibrant pattern of pomegranate fruits in bright colours on an alternating rich cobalt blue and deep purple background with decorative frieze around the octagonal top. On the interior, a unique mottled teal green glaze.

Sampson Hancock & Sons was established in 1891 as earthenware manufacturers, by the eponymous Mr Hancock and continued by his three sons after 1900. Producing tablewares and, increasingly after the First World War, ornamental china and decorative wares, the business got into financial difficulties in 1935 and despite restarting on a smaller scale as S. Hancock & Sons (Potters) Ltd, finally closed in 1937.

This piece is signed by the artist, Francis Xavier Abraham, who was Art Director at the company during the 1920s and early 1930s. He was responsible for the introduction of Rubens Ware, Titian Ware and some of the later designs for Morris Ware, which resembles Moorcroft and was much praised in the trade press of the time.

In very good condition with some crazing but no chips. A few small spots lacking glaze but this is likely as made.

Circa late 1920s.

Diameter: 23 cm (inches)