CHESTER
NICODEMUS VTG 1960 SIGNED ORIG FERRO-STONE POTTERY “MR. DUCK”
According to the Just Collecting website, “Chester Nicodemus moved from Dayton,
Ohio to Columbus in 1930 to teach at the Columbus Art School. During this time,
he commissioned sculptures, water fountains, vases, limestone and woodcarvings.
In 1941 he left the field of teaching to pursue pottery making full time, using
local red clay containing a large amount of iron. He called the ware
Ferro-stone because of its durability. He made teapots and other utility wares
but because of market changes he began producing animal and bird sculptures,
nativity sets and Christmas ornaments. His glaze colors included turquoise or
aqua, ivory, green mottle, pussy willow (pink), and golden yellow. The glaze
was applied so that the warm color of the red clay would show through, adding
an extra dimension to each piece. Examples usually bear the impressed mark,
‘Nicodemus.’”
The piece of original ferro-stone pottery offered here is a relatively uncommon
example of Nicodemus’s work, and depicts the highly collectible “Mr. Duck”
squatting duckling. The “Nicodemus” silver and magenta label is affixed to the
bottom and the “NICODEMUS” mark is clearly impressed on the bottom of the figurine.
Overall, the figurine is in excellent original condition, with no chips or
cracks, and measures 2.5”W x 3.75”D x 4”H. This is a charming example of
Nicodemus’s work that would make an excellent addition to any collection of his
work.