Jacques Sicard (S. A. Weller Pottery, manufacturer)
French pottery desginer, 1865-1923; American pottery 1872-1923
Covered Sicardo Dish with cloverleaf decoration
1902/07
White earthenware with iridescent glaze
6 1/2 x 8 inches (16.51 x 20.32 centimeters)
Purchase: Gift of Edith M. Merkle in memory of Dr. Ralph Merkle, 1994.
1994.015.000

Jacques Sicard worked for the Weller Pottery for five years, decorating ceramics with iridescent glaze applied in Art Nouveau designs. Weller hired Sicard away from the Massier pottery in France to take advantage of his knowledge of the lustrous glazes for which Massier was famous. Despite positive critical notice, "Sicardo" wares did not make money. Successfully glazed pieces were difficult to produce, and only about thirty-percent of Sicard's output was salable. The cloverleaf motif on this piece echoes the shape of the dish, which has a rare, matching lid.