Available for purchase is a very nice art pottery teapot with a matching sugar bowl and creamer.  The set was made by Gertrude Graham "Gay" Smith at her studio near Bakersfield, North Carolina.  The pattern was called "Fluted Teapot" and the outer glaze is a glossy green color.  The inside glaze is brown.

The teapot stands about 8" tall to the top of the lid finial and measures approximately 9" from the front of the spout to the back of the handle.  Also included is the matching covered sugar bowl and creamer.  The sugar bowl is approximately 4 1/2" tall (to top of lid finial) and 4 1/4" wide.  The creamer also stands about 4 1/2" tall.  None of the pieces are signed (as expected) but there is a small impressed mark on the bottom (see photo).  I purchased this pottery tea set at a recent estate sale, along with several other pieces by this artist (see my other listings).

Artist Statement: The movement and soft responsive feel of porcelain clay thrown on a potter's wheel is celebrated in the vessels I make.  My pots are animated by thoughtful and spontaneous manipulation of their forms, surfaces, and attachments.  Handles sweep up and out from bellies and shoulders.  Jars raised on feet dance in space.  Scale and surfaces appeal to the human hand.  In the kiln, flames filled with sodium decorate anticipated edges. I'm looking for my vessels to bring joy with their use and presence, to be good companions for daily living.  They will truly come alive when they fond a home with you.  Imbued in these objects with the making are intended qualities; perhaps, when a hand embraces a cup, a heart fills with compassion.

Artist Bio: Gay Smith, aka Gertrude Graham Smith, is a studio potter and teaching artist.  Her porcelain ware is single fired in a soda kiln near Penland, NC.  Recent grant awards include a North Carolina Arts Council Visual Artist Fellowship in 2008/9, and an RAPG in 2009/10.  She held artist-in-residencies at the Archie Bray Foundation and at Penland School.  Teaching credits include workshops at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Penland School, the Harvard Ceramics Studio, and the Findhorn Foundation in Northern Scotland.  Her work is represented internationally, is in collections including the Mint Museum in Charlotte, NC and Yingge Ceramics Museum in Taiwan, was featured on the cover of "Ceramics Monthly", and can be view in publications including "Making Marks and Functional Pottery" by Robin Hopper and "Working with Clay" by Susan Peterson.

Condition of this art pottery tea set is EXCELLENT with no chips or cracks.  The spout has an irregular edge, as it was originally formed.  Any irregularities in glaze, color, and form are all part of the design or production process.  The glossy glaze has some light crazing that is only visible under powerful lights.  Overall, this Gay Smith tea set looks fantastic and displays beautifully.  It would make a fine addition to any collection.  Please take a close look at the many photos I've provided and judge condition for yourself.  I'm confident you'll be very pleased with this purchase!

If you collect studio art pottery, particularly Gay Smith or other North Carolina artists, don't miss your opportunity to purchase this offering.  I don't believe she makes the fluted teapot anymore.  My Buy It Now price of only $104 is a bargain.  So, buy this set now before someone else beats you to the deal!

While you're here, please check out my other auction listings by clicking on the link below.  Whenever possible, I'll be happy to reduce shipping for combined purchases.

See my other listings for more great items!