Introduction: Some of the most popular pieces with the 1950's buying public and today's
collectors come from the Gonder Ceramic Arts line. This line is comprised of
figures from far corners of the world dressed in exotic clothing and carrying baskets, buckets, gourds, and
even sedan chairs. These were made as sets - normally a man and woman - and sold with specific baskets, buckets, etc for that set. One set is
comprised of two men and one set is comprised of two women. In addition, one female figure (#762) and her accompanying basket was sold individually.
There are a total of 8 different sets from this line. Three of the 8 sets were produced with variations in either size or design for a total of 13 unique sets. A complete set includes the correct design and number of carriers (baskets, buckets, gourds, etc). As you may surmise, the hanging carriers were often
broken and finding a complete intact set is often very difficult.
The 762, 764, 765 and 785 sets are particularly difficult to find as a complete set. For these sets, the carriers are so elusive that there is as much or more value in the carriers as in the figures themselves.
Mold Numbers: Mold numbers from the Ceramic Arts lines are 762-766, 777 and 785. The mold number for one set - The Gay 90's Figures - is not known. The mold numbers for Ceramic Arts figures do not appear on the piece. The mold numbers were taken from Gonder catalog pages. Collectors should familiarize themselves with the mold numbers for these pieces to avoid misunderstandings. Trying to describe the exact figure to another collector can be confusing so it is better to use the mold number when at all possible.
Glaze Finishes: Pieces from the Ceramic Arts Line
are finished in various solid color glaze treatments. Glazes include (but are not limited
to) Chartreuse, Dove Grey, Forest Green and Victorian Wine. Rarely pieces are found in Ivory or Black. These colors are considered very rare.
For specifics on glazes please see the glazes section
of the web site.
Notes: Below are the known variations for this line.
#777 - Asian Water Porters (3 variations)
- Initially introduced in 1949, this set is very plain in design. Figures have large flowing sleeves and slippers.
- In 1950, the set was re-designed and adds much decoration including bonsai type shrubbery at the base of the figure. The sleeves were re-designed and the slippers replaced with sandals.
- The final variation for this set is the adaptation of the set as a wall pocket. A knob with a hole was added to the back of the figure to enable it to be hung on the wall. The buckets for this figure were re-designed with straight sides (normal figures have buckets with a flared side). Presumably, the change in bucket shape is to keep the buckets from hitting the wall.
#762 - Polynesian Woman Basket Carrier (3 variations)
- The small version is approx 11.5 inches tall. The small version appears to be somewhat more difficult to find. I have not seen a basket for the small version. It is not known if a specific basket was designed for this size or if one basket was used for both size figures.
- The large version is 14.5 inches tall. The basket for this piece is balanced on the head of the figure. Hence, it is nearly always missing. Many dealers mistake this piece for a candle holder since the top of the head is hollowed out in order for the basket to rest properly.
- This woman was initially designed as a topless figure. The public was not
receptive to this idea and the figure was quickly re-designed with
their breasts covered with a floral leis. It is not known exactly how
long the topless version was produced, but they are considered very
rare. Only a few known examples have surfaced. The larger size is the only known version found in this topless variation.
#763 - Polynesian Water Carriers (2 variations)
- These sets were initially designed with topless women. The public was not receptive to this idea and the figures were quickly re-designed with tops. It is not known exactly how long the topless version was produced, but they are considered very rare. Only a few known examples have surfaced.
Collectors, please be aware that dealers will often substitute incorrect carriers in an attempt to market a complete set. Sets should not be considered complete unless it has the correct carrier in the correct color!
