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Pair of Cameron Clay Mid Century Hollywood Regency Glam 24K USA Weeping Gold Bud Vases
Signed 24 karat gold USA on the bottom, this pair of elegant bud vases are a perfect example of Hollywood Regency mid century pottery in well maintained pre owned condition made by Cameron Clay. There are no chips, fleabites, or cracks, however, there is some loss of the 24K gold surface finish as shown in the photos from age and handling. This pair of bud vases makes a stunning display and each vase measures 8 inches tall by 3.5 inches in diameter at the widest measurement, each vase could also be used as a candlestick holder.
Weeping gold china was produced from approximately 1935 through 1965 until the price of gold was prohibitive. In those days, it was an expensive collector’s item and commonly used only for special occasions, holidays, and displays. Weeping gold pottery is identified by a dripped and spattered mottled golden appearance. The pieces contain real gold as identified in the grade marking on each piece. According to Lehner’s Encyclopedia of U.S. Marks on Pottery, Porcelain & Clay, the first company to produce the Weeping Gold style was Kingwood Ceramics of East Palestine, Ohio. The process of creation includes two types of glazing. First, a textured glaze was applied and then the pottery was chilled. After achieving the desired temperature, the molten gold was poured over the piece, ran through the textures and solidified with drips, like tears. Hence, the name Weeping Gold. These pieces can be called "precious" for their metal content alone. Real gold pieces are stamped with the gold grade or have indications such as "Hand Decorated 24 K Gold U.S.A." .
The Cameron Pottery Co. was established in 1904 as a manufacturer of dinnerware. In 1907 the plant was purchased by Elger plumbingware, where the first vitreous china toilet tank was developed. Pieces of their round tanks can still be found at the site. By the mid 1940's the plant had been sold again, and began producing the art pottery it is known for today as Cameron Clay Products, including the distinctive weeping gold finish. The firm produced some amazing art pottery and often their pieces are confused with Hull, Shawnee or McCoy. The "Tulip Ware" long-associated with Cronin Pottery of Minerva, Ohio, has been proven to be manufactured by Cameron Clay Products. Sadly, the entire Cameron Clay building was destroyed in a spectacular fire in November, 1964 just days before reopening. No specific cause of the fire was ever determined, and the company did not rebuild but the community of Cameron, West Virginia, continues to take pride in the marvelous work done by these talented artists.
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