Collecting Articles and Features

The Clarice Cliff Conical Sugar Sifter Shape No. 489

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The early 20th century heralded a pivotal era in British ceramics, especially with the innovative contributions of the celebrated ceramic artist, Clarice Cliff. An iconic example of her craftsmanship, the Conical Sugar Sifter, shape no. 489, debuted in 1931 and, for the better part of that decade, embodied an ingenious fusion of aesthetics and utility. We take a look at this classic shape and some of the many hundreds of patterns that were created on the sugar sifters including classic designs such as Crocus, Aurea, Rhodanthe, House and Bridge, to rarer examples.

Delecia Citrus a Clarice Cliff Bizarre Conical sugar sifter
Delecia Citrus a Clarice Cliff Bizarre Conical sugar sifter. Sold for £300 at Woolley & Wallis, March 2023.

The Conical Sugar Sifter’s form is an embodiment of the Art Deco design movement which was at its zenith during the period of its conception. The signature conical silhouette, which broadens at the base and tapers towards the top, is inherently evocative of the streamlined modernity emblematic of Art Deco aesthetics. The shape also provided a harmonious balance of design and functionality, its shape designed for an even and precise distribution of sugar.

Clarice Cliff House & Bridge A conical shape sugar sifter circa 1932
Clarice Cliff House & Bridge A conical shape sugar sifter circa 1932. Sold for £650 at Fieldings Auctioneers, March 2023.

From 1931 until approximately 1938, the sugar sifter became a canvas for an array of diverse patterns, handpainted and transfer-printed. The handpainted patterns varied from bold geometric designs to intricate floral motifs, reflecting Cliff’s adeptness in shifting between styles. Her use of color was as variegated as her designs, with hues ranging from bold, saturated colors to softer, muted shades, a demonstration of her command over chromatic expressiveness.

Bizarre by Clarice Cliff 'Crocus' design conical sugar sifter
Bizarre by Clarice Cliff ‘Crocus’ design conical sugar sifter. Sold for £170 at Leighton Hall Auctions, January 2023.

The transfer-printing technique played an instrumental role in replicating complex patterns across multiple units with a remarkable degree of consistency. This process was an innovative amalgamation of artisanal craftsmanship and mechanized production methods, an embodiment of the modernist ethos of the era. Notably, the introduction of transfer printing in Cliff’s manufacturing process also democratized access to these artistic pieces, allowing more people to own and appreciate her work.

Clarice Cliff – Mountain – A Conical sugar sifter circa 1931, hand painted with a stylised tree and cottage landscape before a large mountain peak in mixed palette with orange and black banding. Sold for £1,100 at Fieldings Auctioneers, October 2022.

Cliff’s Conical Sugar Sifter also included designs from her iconic ‘Bizarre’ and ‘Fantasque’ ranges. The ‘Bizarre’ range, introduced in the late 1920s, was characterized by bold colors and abstract patterns. The ‘Fantasque’ range, on the other hand, was known for its imaginative landscapes and whimsical themes, further illustrating Cliff’s diverse and imaginative design repertoire.

Clarice Cliff Bizarre Aurea Pattern Conical Sugar Sifter
Clarice Cliff Bizarre Aurea Pattern Conical Sugar Sifter. Sold for £120 at Great Western Auctions, September 2022.

The production of the Conical Sugar Sifter shape no. 489 ceased around 1938, marking the end of a seminal chapter in Cliff’s career and in the evolution of British ceramic design. Nevertheless, the appeal and value of these pieces have not diminished over the decades. Today, they are coveted by collectors and enthusiasts alike, particularly those with a specific interest in Art Deco ceramics.

Clarice Cliff Bizarre conical sugar sifter painted in the orange Rhodanthe pattern showing both sides
Clarice Cliff Bizarre conical sugar sifter painted in the orange Rhodanthe pattern showing both sides. Estimate £120-£180 / $140-$200 (click for more on the Clarice Cliff Rhodanthe Pattern information and price guide)

Wedgwood and Bradford Exchange among others have released modern versions of classic Clarice patterns on sugar sifters.

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Clarice Cliff features and price guides


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