Brunk Auctions
Live Auction

Premier Auction - Session II - March 25, 2023

Sat, Mar 25, 2023 09:00AM EDT
Lot 884

Seven Pieces of Mary Kirk Kelly Lettuce Form Drinkware

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: teacup with saucer, both signed "Mary Kirk Kelly" to base, teacup 2-1/4 x 5-1/4 in.; teacup, signed "Mary Kirk Kelly" to base, 2 x 4-7/8 in.; small creamer, signed "Mary Kirk Kelly" to side, 4 x 4-1/2 in.; three cups of varying size, all signed "Mary Kirk Kelly" to base, one dated "1984", largest 5-1/4 x 3-3/4 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, pinholes, surface accretion; small chip to rim of teacup with saucer

Estate of Mary Kirk Kelly, Axis, Alabama