Emporium Auction - July 13, 2023
Thu, Jul 13, 2023 09:00AM EDT
Lot 300
Four Mary Kirk Kelly Shell Form Table Objects
Estimate: $500 - $700
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $100 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $200 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
(Alabama, 1918-2013) each of naturalistic form, comprising: small clam shell bowl, signed "Mary Kirk Kelly" to base, 2-1/8 x 8 in.; large clam shell bowl, signed and dated to base "Mary Kirk Kelly/1997", 4-3/8 x 11-3/4 in.; pair of cockle shell adorned napkin rings, initialed "KK" to interior, 2-1/2 x 2 in.
Note: Mary Kirk Kelly (1918-2013) was born and lived in Axis, Alabama. Known for her delightful ceramic sculptures of vegetables and fruits, Mary was exposed to the use of clay at an early age through her father who owned a local brickyard. Mary was a teacher the majority of her adult life until she retired in the 1970s. Following her retirement, she began to experiment with ceramics, first using clay found in the swimming holes nearby to make simple dishes and cups. It wasn't until a neighbor asked her to make a ceramic replica of a prized cabbage he’d grown, that Mary realized her passion for making naturalistic pottery. Brunk is pleased to bring to auction select pieces from her personal collection.
Condition
anomalies as made, surface accretion; small clam shell bowl with chip to rim
Estate of Mary Kirk Kelly, Axis, Alabama
