Description
A square Australian art pottery covered box by D. Thorpe of the Harvey School, decorated with dragonfly motifs beneath a flowing yellow and sepia-brown glaze. It stands on four shaped feet and has a fitted square lid with a rounded knob and petal-like surround.
This box is illustrated under D. Thorpe in Griffith University’s 2023 updated M–Z Biographical Listings accompanying With Heart & Hand: Art Pottery in Queensland 1900–1950, PDF page 99. The base is incised D. Thorpe, with glaze notes appearing to read Sepia and Yellow. The work is undated.
The Harvey School grew from L.J. Harvey’s pottery teaching in Brisbane, begun in 1916. Its emphasis on hand-built forms and individual decoration helped shape Queensland art pottery. This signed, illustrated covered box offers collectors a documented connection with that tradition, with its expressive glaze and insect decoration giving a small functional form a strong decorative character.
Maker: D. Thorpe
School: Harvey School
Origin: Australia / Queensland pottery tradition
Type: Square covered box / lidded canister
Material: Glazed earthenware
Decoration: Dragonfly motifs
Glaze: Yellow and sepia-brown
Dimensions: Approximately 11 × 11 × 11 cm, including lid
Weight: Approximately 626 g, including lid
Signature: D. Thorpe, incised to base
Date: Undated
Quantity: One box with one lid
Condition
In great condition overall, with no damage reported. Fine glaze crazing is visible. Please examine the photographs as part of the description.
Australia-wide postage is included in the price. International buyers, please contact us for an insured shipping quote before purchasing. Applicable import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.
Learn more in our Harvey School Pottery History, Makers and Marks Guide.
Browse more Harvey School Pottery available from TMC Emporium.
About TMC Emporium
TMC Emporium is part of The McCorry Collection. Our eBay listings are sold through the Arty Farty Collections eBay store, so you are in the right place. We select vintage, antique and collectable pieces for their quality, history and visual appeal.
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