TRENDY TROIKA!

It is not that often these days that a piece of pottery brought into a valuation day in a plastic carrier bag turns out to be a real gem.

However, just such an occasion happened at the Lichfield Saleroom of Richard Winterton recently when a rare pottery mask was discovered. The 25cm high mask resembles something you might find on the wall of an Aztec Temple, was in fact made in Cornwall by the Troika factory. Such masks are now known as ‘Aztec Masks’ and were produced in the 1960’s and 70’s, during the pottery’s heyday. The factory closed in 1983 but the wares of all shapes and sizes still turn up in the auction rooms and now have somewhat of a cult following. Even small ‘coffin’ vases can fetch over one hundred pounds. Aztec masks, wall panels and the white glaze wares are particularly rare and sought after.

The Lichfield mask will appear at the Decorative Arts & Design Sale at Burton on 17th January. The Auction is also being filmed for David Dickinson’s ‘Real Deal’ programme. Comparable masks are known to fetch over £2,000. Please phone 01283 511224 for further information on the free valuation services in your area.