Donkel Bros Egg Vase NC Pottery

Donkel Bros Egg Vase NC Pottery

Classic George Donkel art egg vase art pottery, not unlike the early egg vase forms of Jugtown or Ben Owen I. The vase has this interesting glaze only what I could describe as speckled finish, over that black alkaline glaze that George sometimes employed. Stands just shy of 7″ tall. This was made in the 1920's or 30's, when George began to make some impressive art pottery. He was pushed/pulled into making art pottery.

The Donkel brothers, David (1866-1951) and George (1870-1956) began their work in the late 1890's in the Catawba Valley and then moved to Buncombe County shortly thereafter. They typically made pottery when commissioned and did not make much for general sale. The glaze appears a bit under-fired, and that is just how their glaze combination would turn out in the kiln (or there would be a very dark black color although that appears to be a different glaze recipe). The impressed 'key' you see was their main stamp and is rare (a couple pieces in museums have D & D The Best).

NCPottery purchased this not knowing it was restored, but later learned whom restored it. This is a master restorer whom shall remain unnamed (NCPottery showed the restoration to the buyer). This was some area around the lip and in the body finish, most amazingly done by them. It was enjoyed for many years and now in this other collection.