Vintage 1940's Brad Keeler "lobsterware" porcelain divided serving dish in the shape of a red lobster seated at the center of a pair of cabbage / lettuce leaves. Item number 872. Made in USA. Stamped on base.

"Brad Keeler was born in Lincoln, California, on 4 Feb 1913, the eldest of four children born to Mary and Rufus B. Keeler. Rufus was an acclaimed tile maker made famous by his work for the Rindge family under Malibu Potteries, and whose tile work still can be found all over southern California, particulary the Adamson House/Malibu Lagoon Museum. His first job was for Padre Potteries. Brad was a self-starter and soon he built a studio at his home in Glendale on Delay Drive and began making "Bradster" pottery, in partnership with a friend named Webster. Webster was the primary modeler in the beginning, and Brad did the mold work. When WWII began and the imports stopped, his work sold like crazy, and business continued to boom after the war ended. In early 1952 he suffered a heart attack at the age of 39. Unfortunately, after his death, his wife Catherine's efforts to maintain the company were not successful, the business foundered, and it was forced to close its doors. Brad Keeler Artwares created many lines of notable works, including a series of flamingoes in various poses, many many varieties of birds, and buffet service in themes ranging from roosters to lobsters to tomatoes and radishes. His most notable contribution to the ceramics community was the formulation of a "true red" glaze, which he named "Ming Dragon Blood", and which can be seen utilized on his lobsterware buffet service series." (Source: Brad Keeler Artwares)