Clarice Cliff – A Life of Ceramics

Honoring one of the great artists of the 20th Century

When it comes to ceramics and pottery from the 20s and 30s, there is no bigger name than Clarice Cliff. For 40 years, she honed and developed a vividly-colored, hand-painted, art-deco style that is truly unmistakable and unique.

A pioneer for ceramicist and women

Cliff’s impact cannot be understated. She made a name for herself during a time when women were not given nearly enough opportunities that men were. She was able to take her small role at a ceramics company and turn it into a full-fledged art career, serving as the foundation for her greatest works.
It was here that she cultivated her famous line known as “Bizarre,” the Art Deco inspired pottery that played with shapes and color in a way that never had before. Everybody wanted to get their hands on here “Bizarre-ware,” helping to propel her status as a ceramics virtuoso.

Cliff’s costly collectibles

Following Cliff’s death in 1972, her widely respected, already-distinct flair reached even larger popularity. “Bizarre-ware” has skyrocketed in value over the past 30-40 years and collectors have caught on.
Something as small as a teapot can go for almost $2000, as long as it was handcrafted by Cliff. And that’s coming from a seller who fortunately realized that he even HAD a genuine Cliff piece. There are stories of sellers who didn’t know, letting a Cliff ceramic go for $90.
For the seasoned antique hunter, Cliff’s work isn’t hard to track down. The style is so unique, it can be spotted in a second. If you haven’t heard of Clarice Cliff before, get familiar with her work and keep your eyes peeled! You never know when you might find one.
At Full of Surprizes, we appreciate quality collectibles like Clarice Cliff’s. As experienced estate sale specialists, we can spot items just like it. If you need to hold an estate sale in Long Island, there is no one else contact. Visit our website or call (516)-315-3102 for a free consultation!