A Large Architectural Terra Cotta Art Deco Statue By California Art Tile

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$4,800.00

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Made by Cal Art ( California Art Tile Company ) of Richmond, this piece of architectural terra cotta is sleek and sensual in it's Art Deco design. It's original intended purpose was possibly to be a focal point at the top of a building, where she would fly out from wall. Or perhaps she was part of an ornate fountain. Her outspread arms fan out her hair and fade into curling wings. Her slightly crossed legs turn into a stylized fishtail, giving her an appearance of a mermaid. There are no traces of mortar or cement around the base, so it is doubtful that she ever made it into an installation. However, the ivory glaze has a wonderful old patina and a few old chips to the surface, as seen in the photos. She was probably used as a decorative ornament in a garden, which would be a wonderful re-use of this piece of art. She also makes a great statement sitting on a pedestal in the corner of a room. The back has a deeply impressed mark " C. P. McCann made by California Art Tile Corporation, Richmond, California". The use of the word "corporation" places this piece post 1928. This is an amazing piece of pottery made during the glory period of the California building boom.