A charming set of early 20th-century Welsh semi-glazed earthenware bowls, each uniquely hand-decorated and full of rustic artistic charm - a tactile celebration of everyday authentic vernacular pottery craftsmanship with timeless appeal
At a Glance - Appeal, Desirability & Collectibility
• Date: Circa 1920s
• Origin: Wales
• Material: Semi-glazed earthenware
• Composition: Set of five bowls, each individually hand-decorated
• Delivery is not included - please use the Request Delivery Quote before completing your order
• Decorative set with strong rustic and artisanal character
• Semi-glazed surfaces reveal both the warmth of raw clay and the soft lustre of glaze
• Harmonious mix of patterns, tones, and sizes
• An evocative representation of early 20th-century Welsh domestic pottery
Heritage, Craftsmanship & Historical Note
This delightful set of five semi-glazed earthenware bowls embodies the everyday beauty of Welsh vernacular craftsmanship. Each bowl, individually formed and semi-glazed by hand, reflects subtle regional variation and the intuitive artistry of the potter. The palette - warm terracotta tones offset by slip-painted decoration in ochre, cream, green, and white - captures the spirited simplicity of rural design.
Produced during the early 20th century in local Welsh potteries, these bowls were originally intended for daily domestic use - from preparation and storage to serving. The semi-glazed finish offered both practical resilience and a textural interplay between smooth glaze and exposed clay, creating an appealing balance of form and function.
Today, sets such as this have become increasingly rare to find complete, and they hold equal appeal for collectors, designers, and those drawn to the quiet authenticity of handmade objects. They speak to a period when artistry was seamlessly integrated into everyday life.
Explore Every Facet
The photographs capture the individuality of each bowl - from the delicate hand-painted motifs and linear slip trails to the faint irregularities of the glaze that tell of traditional wheel-thrown methods. The variation in tone and surface patination bears witness to age and use, while the collection as a whole displays a gentle rhythm of proportion and colour. Viewed together, they form a composition of texture and tone that celebrates the handmade - both decorative and profoundly human in character. Our images form an essential part of the condition report for complete purchasing confidence, ensuring a true visual record of its character and craftsmanship.
Styling Suggestions
Displayed as a group, these bowls bring warmth and authenticity to a dresser, shelf, or kitchen table. Their earthy hues pair beautifully with natural materials such as oak, linen, or stone. Equally striking when used individually - holding fruit, dried flowers, or as sculptural accents - they bring quiet charm to both period and contemporary interiors.
Sustainable Style - Thank you for considering antique furniture - a choice that honours both design and the environment…in every sense, the most sustainable item is the one that endures
Sustainability begins with what already exists; this charming set of early 20th-century Welsh semi-glazed earthenware bowls, each uniquely hand-decorated and full of rustic artistic charm exemplifies the sustainable elegance of antique craftsmanship. Its continued relevance speaks to the timeless utility of well-made tools, and its survival ensures that restoration skills and historical knowledge remain alive and valued.
Purchase with Confidence:-
At White’s Antiques, every piece is described and photographed with care, ensuring complete transparency and confidence in your purchase. We are an established and successful business serving both trade and private collectors. You are warmly invited to visit our shop at 53 High Street, Arundel, and our Showroom at The Vinery, Poling, West Sussex, to experience our curated collections firsthand, explore the stories behind each antique, and appreciate these timeless treasures in person.
measurements
Height:
7 cm
Diameter:
17 cm
Measurements are of largest bowl
measurements
declaration
Whites Antiques has clarified that the Early 20th Century Welsh Vernacular Set of Five Semi-Glazed Earthenware Bowls c.1920 (LA551135) is genuinely of the period declared with the date/period of manufacture being c.1920
declaration
condition
condition
All in good condition, with gentle wear consistent with age and use.