Bellflower Tree - Burleighware

Name: Burleighware
 
Type: Gravy Boat
 
Year: Circa 1930–1939
 
Set: No
 
Mark: Burleighware - Burleighware, Estd.1851, B&L Ltd. England
 
History: This is a vintage cream jug made by Burgess & Leigh Ltd (Burleigh Ware), a notable English pottery manufacturer from Burslem, Staffordshire. The piece features a flared rim with a pronounced pouring lip, an elegantly curved handle, and rests on a pedestal foot. Its striking Art Deco-inspired pattern displays stylised bellflower blossoms and umbrella-like trees, hand-painted in bold tones of purple, pink, black, and green with yellow enamel outlining.
 
 
Although not officially named on the piece, this design is commonly associated with stylised Art Deco botanical patterns, often referred to by collectors as "Bellflower Tree" or similar informal descriptors. The pattern features stylised weeping trees and bell-shaped blooms, possibly influenced by Japanese or chinoiserie motifs, rendered in a colour palette typical of 1930s design.
 
 
$25–$40 is the estimated value in current market conditions. The value is moderate due to condition issues, though it remains collectable due to its desirable Art Deco aesthetic and named manufacturer.
 
 
This piece is a fine example of Burleigh Ware’s transition into vibrant, hand-painted decorative ware during the Art Deco era. The body is cream-coloured earthenware with an all over fine crazing visible under the glaze, indicating age and authenticity. The hand-painted details are intact but show minor wear in areas, particularly on the handle's enamel and rim edges. Notably, there is a visible hairline crack on the interior of the bowl running from the rim downward and additional staining and crazing consistent with age. There is also a small glaze flake on the handle, along with darkening around the foot rim. Despite these flaws, the piece retains strong decorative appeal, particularly for collectors of English interwar ceramics or Art Deco-era pottery.
 
 
This cream jug would have originally formed part of a tea or breakfast service and is representative of Burleigh's hand-painted wares marketed for the middle class. It holds both decorative and historical interest and is a strong display piece even with its structural imperfections.
 
Flaws: Crazing throughout, crack alongside item close to handle