Metlox Del Rey Pitcher

MID-CENTURY MODERN METLOX POPPYTRAIL FREEFORM CERAMIC PITCHER - SPECKLED POWDER BLUE WITH WHITE SCROLL HANDLE Striking mid-century modern California pottery pitcher in the Metlox Poppytrail free-form shape, glazed in a soft speckled powder blue on the outside with a contrasting speckled cream-white interior, rim, and handle. The body is an asymmetrical upswept teardrop that rises to a high pinched pouring lip on one side, and the thin white handle sweeps up in an open scroll loop with a small curled terminal against the body. This is the sculptural 1950s silhouette that reads as art pottery as much as tableware, and it displays beautifully on a bar cart, hutch, or open shelf whether used for water, iced tea, or as a vase for long-stemmed flowers. Sold as one piece. Description Maker and line: Metlox Poppytrail, Manhattan Beach, California, in the free-form modern shape used for the company's 1950s decorated lines Pattern as identified by the consignor: Del Rey Form: asymmetrical free-form pitcher with a high upswept spout, tapered oval foot, and an open scroll loop handle with a small curled tail Two-tone glazing: matte-satin speckled light blue exterior, speckled off-white cream interior and rim band, with the handle glazed white Measures approximately 10" to 10-1/2" tall at the high side per the tape-measure photograph, with the body roughly 5" to 6" across; note the base of the tape is outside the frame in that photo, so bidders should verify all dimensions from the photographs No backstamp or base photograph is included in this batch, so no mark is quoted here Attribution note Metlox Pottery of Manhattan Beach, California, operated from 1927 and produced dinnerware from the early 1930s, with the Poppytrail line running from the mid-1930s and the Poppytrail division continuing through the company's 1989 closing. In the mid-1950s Metlox introduced modernist free-form shapes that were used as blanks for several decorated patterns. Reference material dates Del Rey to 1955 as Metlox dinnerware series 4200, the same modern shape used for Confetti, Mardi Gras, and Street Scene, and Replacements, Ltd. lists Del Rey by Metlox Poppytrail Vernon as discontinued with an actual start of 1955. One caution worth stating plainly: Replacements describes the Del Rey pattern itself as blue with gray dots and black loops, and this pitcher carries no dots or loop decoration, so it may instead be the plain two-tone colorware version of the same free-form shape rather than the decorated Del Rey pattern. Replacements also lists the Del Rey 32-ounce pitcher at 7-5/8" tall, which is shorter than this example, suggesting this is the larger water pitcher size in the line. The Del Rey identification is offered as the consignor's photo-based opinion and is not guaranteed; no pattern name or production year is warranted. Bid on the item as pictured. Condition Used vintage condition, sold as-is. The pitcher presents very well in the photographs with an even satin glaze, good clean color, and no staining inside. No chips, cracks, or repairs are visible in the photographs. The dark flecks across the surface are the intentional speckling in the glaze and are not damage. Expected light surface wear and a few faint scuffs consistent with age and use may be present, and the interior shows normal light shading. The high spout tip, the rim edge, the thin scroll handle, and the small curled handle terminal are the vulnerable areas on a piece shaped like this and should be examined closely. The unglazed foot and base are not shown in the photographs. Photos are part of the description. Notes for bidders Hand-wash in warm water with mild soap and dry promptly; avoid dishwashers, soaking, sudden temperature changes, and abrasive cleaners on the satin glaze. Not intended for stovetop or oven use. Only the piece pictured is included in this lot. Terms Sold as-is, where-is, All sales final. Please ask any questions before bidding. Buyer is responsible for pickup or shipping arrangements per auction terms.