Pottery - Figural Ashtray, Country Scene, from where?

I've had this cute piece since the mid to late 80's and have been curious about where it was made. I purchased it at an antique show in Providence RI from a dealer whose largest source of store items was container loads of furniture shipped from England a couple times a year, with decorative oddments thrown in as filler. (My sister and I often visited the shop, which was close to her home.)

Now, methinks this wasn't actually made in England, although it's possible, I suppose. The white underside and green cross-hatching have me thinking Portugal or Italy, but since we have many members more experienced in such things than the smattering I've picked up over the years, I figured I would ask.

About 3 3/4 inches tall, 4 inches across the bottom (although you can see from the picture it's out of round.) I've never used it as an ashtray and it was pretty clean when I bought it, but the "pond" does have a yellowish cast that looks odd.





Note the detail picture of the tree. The "foliage" looks like it was created largely with clay squeezed through a garlic press. The points are sharp!

 

super cute! reminds me of Basil Matthews stuff. I think your piece is older though.

 

I'll have to Google that name, which is a new one to me.

"Cute" - That's exactly what I thought when I first spied it. Don't remember the price, but whatever it was didn't matter at the time. I've never seen another like it.

 

Hi,
I am getting an Italian vibe, perhaps because of the house and Lombardy poplars. WAG
greg

 

Thanks, Greg! I knew those trees looked Italian but couldn't remember the species!

 

More like evergreens, cyprus species.

It comes from the land of Twee, and Saccharine village, made by someone who lets their kids do the designing. Probably the Upchuck family.

 

Now, Af -- don't hold back. Tell us how you really feel!

(Glad to hear someone else using "twee.")

 

Well, I had never heard "twee" before, although the rest of AF's post gave me the gist of its implication.

 

Oh my god, that is so cute! Same word popped into my head. Love it!

Italian was what I was thinking as soon as I saw the base of the piece. Something about that white glaze on the base, just looks like so many (wonderful) vintage Italian vases I've had/sold over the years. Betting this is Italian. Very sweet.

 

Thanks, Lucille.

Any thoughts on age?

 

Wild guess -- 1960's or 70's? Almost wondering if is a one-of-a-kind. I can honestly say I've never seen a similar ashtray.