Basket Bloom

Name: Wade Heath
 
Type: Wade Heath “Basket Bloom” Shallow Bowl
 
Year: Circa 1940s–1950s
 
Set: No
 
Mark: Wade Heath - Wade Heath England
 
History: This charming shallow bowl was produced by Wade Heath, a division of the Wade Ceramics group, well-known for their decorative and functional pottery in the early to mid-20th century. The piece is characterized by its basketweave relief texture and vivid hand-painted floral design, predominantly pansy-like blooms in yellow, burgundy, and lavender.
 
 
The use of molded patterning with overglaze decoration was a popular technique during the 1940s–50s, especially for serving ware aimed at everyday households. The gentle bowl shape and decorative surface suggest it may have been intended as a fruit or salad dish, though its highly visual appeal makes it equally suited for display.
 
 
The Wade Heath backstamp and crazed glaze finish confirm mid-century production. While Wade Heath items are generally more affordable in the current market compared to higher-end Staffordshire names, they are increasingly collected for their nostalgia, craftsmanship, and bright folk-art appeal.
 
Flaws: None