Daisy Makeig-jones, Wedgwood, Lustre Butterfly Bowl, C. 1914-1929

This highly regarded and delightful lustre bone china footed bowl is designed by Daisy Makeig-Jones for Wedgwood. The exterior features a speckled mother-of-pearl finish, adorned with hand-painted gilded butterflies symmetrically arranged in a circle, along with gilded filigree ornaments on the top edge, both inside and out. The interior boasts a rich caramel-orange mottled glaze, with the center beautifully decorated with a gilded butterfly. In many cultures, butterflies symbolize transformation, resurrection, and rebirth.

Stamped with the Portland Vase mark on the base.

Susannah Margaretta "Daisy" Makeig-Jones was a celebrated pottery designer for Wedgwood, best known for her "Fairyland Lustre" series. Born in Wath-upon-Dearne near Rotherham, Yorkshire, she was the eldest of seven children from a professional background. After attending boarding school and studying at the Torquay School of Art, she joined Wedgwood in 1909. By 1914, Daisy had become a full designer with her own studio.

Daisy's work combined three distinct techniques—underglaze mottling, overglaze graining, and iridescence—with fanciful designs outlined in gilt, creating a fresh, captivating style. Her artistic vision and tenacity were apparent when, with the help of James Hodgkiss and his decoration staff, she developed the "First Ten Lustre" series in 1914, which included 10 distinct patterns.

Our bowl is part of the No. 10 pattern in the Lustre Range, identified as pattern Z4832, which concluded the "First 10 Lustre" ranges. This particular pattern features gilded butterflies on a mother-of-pearl exterior and an orange lustre interior with a mottled underglaze crimson. Orange was said to be Daisy’s favorite lustre color. The butterfly motif was drawn from existing Wedgwood copper engraving plates, further embellished with geometric details to reflect Daisy’s unique style. The "Butterfly" range was produced from 1914 to 1929 and is now highly collectible.

With rising demand for Daisy Makeig-Jones' designs, many collectors view them as a sound investment. All Wedgwood Fairyland and Ordinary Lustre pieces bear the Portland Vase mark, with earlier pieces missing the three stars beneath the vase. From 1900 onwards, the three stars were added, and "ENGLAND" was included from 1891 to meet U.S. customs regulations.

Dimensions:

Height: 5.3 cm, Upper Diameter: 9.7 cm

Condition: Excellent antique condition without cracks, breaks, or signs of restoration.

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of this description. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. Shipping costs include labor, packaging, and postage.