Object Title:
Grimwades “Kookaburras” Ceramic Bowl
Manufacturer:
Grimwades Ltd.
Origin:
Stoke-on-Trent, England
Pattern / Mark:
“Kookaburras” (printed factory mark to underside)
Date:
circa 1920s–1930s
Description
A decorative English earthenware bowl produced by Grimwades Ltd., featuring a transfer-printed and hand-coloured depiction of two kookaburras perched on a leafy branch. The interior well is decorated with the central bird motif, while the broad rim is finished in a mottled orange-brown ground, imitating a faux tortoiseshell or spongeware effect with scattered additional bird vignettes.
The underside retains the printed factory mark reading “Kookaburras – Grimwades – Stoke-on-Trent – England”, with a globe device, confirming manufacture for the export market, most likely Australia given the subject matter.
The glaze shows characteristic age-related crazing across the body, consistent with early 20th-century English earthenware production.
Materials & Technique
Glazed earthenware
Transfer printing with hand-coloured embellishment
Mottled sponge / sprayed ground finish
Condition
Overall good display condition
Extensive age-related glaze crazing across interior and base
Minor surface scratching visible to interior well
Light wear consistent with use
No major structural damage observed (no obvious cracks or repairs visible in provided images – subject to further inspection)
Historical Context
Grimwades Ltd., established in Staffordshire in the late 19th century, was a significant exporter of decorative ceramics. Patterns such as “Kookaburras” were specifically designed for colonial markets, incorporating native wildlife imagery appealing to Australian consumers. These pieces sit within the broader tradition of English transferware adapted for international trade.
Object Title:
Grimwades “Kookaburras” Ceramic Bowl
Manufacturer:
Grimwades Ltd.
Origin:
Stoke-on-Trent, England
Pattern / Mark:
“Kookaburras” (printed factory mark to underside)
Date:
circa 1920s–1930s
Description
A decorative English earthenware bowl produced by Grimwades Ltd., featuring a transfer-printed and hand-coloured depiction of two kookaburras perched on a leafy branch. The interior well is decorated with the central bird motif, while the broad rim is finished in a mottled orange-brown ground, imitating a faux tortoiseshell or spongeware effect with scattered additional bird vignettes.
The underside retains the printed factory mark reading “Kookaburras – Grimwades – Stoke-on-Trent – England”, with a globe device, confirming manufacture for the export market, most likely Australia given the subject matter.
The glaze shows characteristic age-related crazing across the body, consistent with early 20th-century English earthenware production.
Materials & Technique
Glazed earthenware
Transfer printing with hand-coloured embellishment
Mottled sponge / sprayed ground finish
Condition
Overall good display condition
Extensive age-related glaze crazing across interior and base
Minor surface scratching visible to interior well
Light wear consistent with use
No major structural damage observed (no obvious cracks or repairs visible in provided images – subject to further inspection)
Historical Context
Grimwades Ltd., established in Staffordshire in the late 19th century, was a significant exporter of decorative ceramics. Patterns such as “Kookaburras” were specifically designed for colonial markets, incorporating native wildlife imagery appealing to Australian consumers. These pieces sit within the broader tradition of English transferware adapted for international trade.
