Brunk Auctions
Live Auction

Premier Auction - Session II - March 25, 2023

Sat, Mar 25, 2023 09:00AM EDT
Lot 879

Mary Kirk Kelly Ceramic Watermelon Basket

Estimate: $1,000 - $2,000

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) of naturalistic form, with lobed edge, diagonal handle across mouth, signed "Mary Kirk Kelly" to base, 6-3/4 x 14-3/8 x 8-1/2 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 and glaze voids as made, 2-1/4 in. hairline from one edge, surface accretion/residue

Estate of Mary Kirk Kelly, Axis, Alabama