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.