A late 1930’s hexagonal bulb bowl in the "Astoria" pattern made by Arthur Woods & Co. made in the Bradwell Works in Stoke-on-Trent  c1935. This is an iconic piece of its time – a stylised Art Deco floral transfers displaying hand-tinted pink, yellow, and orange primrose-like blooms outlined in bold black detail and incorporating a beautiful split glaze technique - the top rim transitions into a mint-green pearlized finish, while the lower body features a sky-blue iridescent lustre wash. It features the distinct hexagonal (six-sided) geometric footed base and flared rim typical of early mid-century British "Art Ware" lines. 
 
This style of vibrant, iridescent tableware became immensely popular during the late interwar period. Potteries like Arthur Wood & Son developed these highly shimmering finishes to bring a touch of affordable luxury into British homes during the challenging depression and wartime eras. 
The site of the old Bradwell Works was largely demolished in the early 2000s and replaced with modern warehousing. This leaves surviving decorative items like this hexagonal bowl as a wonderful reminder of 20th-century Staffordshire industrial craftsmanship.
 
Planted with vibrant cyclamens for late summer and autumn, this bowl would be perfect for spring bulbs. 
 
H: 10cm D: 25cm