VTG 1976 Duncan Enterprises Matte black Ceramic Trinket box with Raised Flowers on the lid. the matte black paint is so unique in that it make the piece look like it is made of stone.
condition: great. has a small chip on the base where the lid meets the base. ceramic chips easily so it to be expected but is still in great shape especially for its age.
HISTORY OF DUNCAN ENTERPRISES:
Mary Erma Duncan was a talented artist who enjoyed sharing her gift with everyone. Her love for fired art began at a very young age, as did her natural ability to share her knowledge. Erma began teaching while still in her teens. Her first national recognition for her artwork came in the early 1900s. It was customary for artists at that time to send their work into popular magazines hosting contests for artists, such as the Saturday Evening Post. Top prizes included cash and musical instruments. Erma won so many awards she had enough instruments to start a small orchestra!
Eventually, Erma set up a studio and began teaching ceramics from her home. Before long, her husband Lee and sons Bob and Dick also became involved. As the sessions grew, the garage was expanded to accommodate more people and supplies. In 1940, Erma joined her son Bob as a student at Fresno State College and began taking all available ceramics classes.
In 1946, the business outgrew the garage, so the first official Duncan Ceramic Studio was opened on Blackstone Avenue in Fresno, California. The company also began to operate as a wholesale distributor, with Bob handling the marketing and sales of the business, Erma the art and teaching, and Dick the designing and manufacturing. In 1949, Dick formulated the first non-settling glaze....the first of its kind in the ceramics industry.
In 1955, Duncan became a corporation with Bob as President, Dick as Vice President and Erma as Secretary-Treasurer. The company continued to prosper and, in 1961, Duncan Ceramic Products, Inc., relocated to its present-day site.
After 23 years of sharing her ceramics knowledge with others, Erma retired from active participation in the company in 1965.
In 1976, the company changed its name to Duncan Enterprises, reflecting its continued growth & expansion.
This lovely covered dish was made that same year, 1976.
Enjoy!
ith raised flowers.