Hollywood Regency Ceramic Elephant Planter

Rare lidded box by Nicodemus Pottery circa 1960 resembles a carton of fresh strawberries. A raised strawberry at the center of the stack serves as a handle to lift the lid from the square box. A grey glaze covers this piece with ample brick red intentionally peeking through the glaze. The underside of the piece is impressed with “LET- BLUE BOX YOUR MERCHANDISE- AX 9 2104 COL’S O.” About the Artist: Chester Nicodemus (1901-1990) was a Columbus, Ohio potter, sculptor, and teacher known for his small clay birds, as well as other wildlife, teapots and pitchers. His pieces are recognizable as being produced with variously colored translucent glazes, which enhanced the redness of the high iron content of Ohio clay to create a russet brown undertone. Nicodemus earned a degree from Cleveland Art School and then went on to teach at Dayton Art School and Wittenberg college. In 1932, he became dean  at the Columbus College of Art and Design and later taught at Ohio State University and served as president of the Columbus Art League. All of Nicodemus' molds and glazes were destroyed upon his death at his request. This box is one of hundreds of pieces of ceramics that are available at our location in Grandview! Come in today and see the full collection.