Beauceware Pottery “Ptarmigan/Perdrix des Neige" Casserole Clay Pot by Doug Funk

Made in 1972 by the famous Beauce pottery situated in St-Georges Québec, this casserole with cover is part of a tableware series designed by Doug Funk in the early 1970s. At the time designer Doug Funk created Canadian Pioneers Prints around 1972, he gave Ceramique de Beauce one of the finest lines the company was to produce: the Ptarmigan line (Perdrix des neiges). The pieces in the Ptarmigan line have no place settings, the line being designed to complement plain white dishes that would not distract from the imposing Ptarmigan accessories. The “Ptarmigan” or white grouse series (“Perdrix des Neiges” in French) features the abstract shape of the bird, glazed in matte white with black markings. The sculptural shape measures 13 ½ inches long and 6 inches high. It is in very good condition with only one rough edge on the inner lip edge but no chips, cracks, or repairs. As an unglazed piece of clay, it does show minor marks from handling, and if damp from cleaning will show normal crazing marks as expected in unglazed earthenware. A great mid century modern piece and a fine example of the quality output of this famous Canadian pottery maker! Remarkably, it still has its original paper pamphlet from Genie, Trudeau & Co. Ltd., Montreal with guides for use and cooking! The piece is marked at the bottom with the “CB” letters indicating Céramique de Beauce, the model number CCD-46, CCD indicating “Creative Canadian Design” and the maple leaf between chevrons.