• Vintage mid century Cleminsons California pottery covered butter dish with lid

• Distelfink pattern

• circa 1950s

• handpainted

• shipping weight 2 lbs

This is a lovely 2 piece butter dish made by Cleminsons Pottery of California. Cleminsons opened its doors in 1941 and sadly closed around 1963. They were unable to compete with the influx of Japanese made wares and rather than compromise their quality, they shut down their factory. However, in their short run, they made some very clever and attractive ceramic pieces for the home.

This particular pattern is known as Distlefink and is reminiscent of traditional Pennsylvania Dutch/German art work. In my neck of the woods, these designs are still very prevalent. A quick trip to Lancaster PA will prove it!

This butter dish measures 6.6" long and 4.5" high. The top portion is in excellent condition and is free of chips or cracks. There is mild crazing in the glaze which is expected in pieces of this type and age. The glaze has retained its wonderful gloss, however.  Sadly, the bottom piece has been repaired. Please see the photos above.  The set is beautiful even with the repair to the base. It can still be used as a butter dish or for display. It is hard to imagine that this item is almost 60 years old.

Each piece is glazed in a light brown speckle with designs done in shades of blue, red, green, and black. The top of the bird's head has a blue heart design. These are exceptionally nicely done and hand painted.

Thank you for looking.