Washerwoman teapot is a masterpiece
Q. This is a photo of a teapot that was given to me about 20 years ago. It holds six cups, stands about 7 inches tall and is decorated with primary colors against a white background. Marked on the bottom are the words "Master Piece Editions Ltd. - Picasso - Living - The Washerwoman - 1962 - Microwave & Dishwasher Safe - Stoneware - Made in Thailand - 1996 - Succession - Pablo Picasso." It is in mint condition.
Does my teapot have any value as a collectible?
A. Your teapot decorated with Picasso's image of a washerwoman is a collectible. It is part of the Master Piece Editions Ltd. line that included teapots, dessert plates, mugs, demitasse cups and saucers, vases and hot plates. They were often sold in museum gift shops and are no longer in production. Pablo Picasso was born in Spain in 1881 and died in France in 1973. There were four original Picasso crayon drawings. They were done with primary colors and featured a washerwoman, a nanny, Apythia and a heart. People find the simplicity, energy and optimism of the images very appealing. His estate produced the line long after Picasso passed away.
Your teapot would probably be found selling for $50 to $100 on the internet and in antiques shops.
Q. This mark is on the bottom of an antique teapot that has been in our family for generations. I was told by a friend who collects antiques that it is decorated with copper luster and might be valuable. It stands almost 6 inches tall and is in perfect condition.
I would never part with it and would like to know more about its history, vintage, maker and value. What can you tell me?
A. Your copper luster teapot was made by Gibson and Sons Ltd. It made earthenware in Burslem, Staffordshire, England, from 1885 to 1972. Albany & Harvey were two of its Burslem pottery factories. The mark you provided was used around 1912. Objects decorated with copper luster gained popularity in the early 1800s. Metallic oxides in the overglaze create the iridescent metallic appearance. Most copper luster pieces were intended for everyday use.
Your copper luster teapot was made around 1912 and might fetch $75 to $100 in an antiques shop.
• Address your questions to Anne McCollam, P.O. Box 247, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Items of a general interest will be answered in this column. Due to the volume of inquiries, she cannot answer individual letters.
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