Jedda

Designer
Maker	Jedda Pottery
Marks	“F” underglaze on one with “.” On all. The maker's name, "Jedda" is no longer visible, but would have originally been a paper stamp adhered to the base.
Description	Off white slipware with faux aboriginal motifs in earthy brown background with black and white line drawings to inside of bowl. Closed ended cylindrical handle, upturned slightly on the outer end.
Number
Production Date	Around 1960
Width	110mm
Depth	45mm
Length (with handle)	150mm
Weight	150gm 5.1/4 oz
Volume	250ml
Acquisition	“The Collector” auctions Murrumbeena

Beautiful set of 6 well made studio pottery ramekins, made in Australia, circa 1960s, by Jedda. On the Monday 3^rd January 1954 the world premier of the film “Jedda” took place in Darwin, Northern Territory. Released by Columbia, it was Australia’s first colour film. While the film got huge publicity, Jedda pottery did not. Arriving in Sydney after the film, Jedda pottery was set up to cash in on the success of the film. Established in Sydney’s Neutral Bay in 1955, it was one of the numerous works that did not last past the 1960s, which was longer than many.

They have superb faux Aboriginal motif designs in an earthy brown setting with stylized animal and human figures. They are in excellent condition, with age related crazing but no chips or cracks. One has a bee sting chip to the base. These fake aboriginal designs were popular on a range of homewares and tourist items in the sixties and are experiencing a revival lately. Aboriginal motifs were popular in Australia during the fifties and sixties. These patterns were the closest most Australians came to anything to do with the indigenous culture. Just what the Aboriginal people think of these unauthorized uses of their cultural images has been well reported over the past few years.

Some people think that these designs were painted by Daisy Merton. I do not. She certainly decorated much of their output but these are neither her colour or style.