This is a lovely large stoneware decorative Hebrides bowl made by Buchan Pottery, who were based at Portobello, near Edinburgh (now closed). It is a big large bowl and might be a great mixing bowl or fruit bowl for the kitchen.
The pottery was established in Portobello in 1867 and ceasted production there in 1972. It then relocated to Crieff and permanently closed in 2000.
My large bowl is certainly an interesting piece of Scottish Pottery. It measures 9 inches in diameter and has a height of 3 1.2 inches. Unpacked it is 850 grams.
It is a probably a rare example. The Hebrides pattern has been used but the central inner decoration of the bowl is a variant pattern that was never used in final production. It is probably an experimental piece from the Portobello factory. it is marked on the side "Sample" as photographed. I have never seen another Hebrides bowl with the geometric square in the centre. This is reflected in my asking price. It is excellent condition, indeed as good as new.
The word sample was painted and fired onto factory samples. These would have been kept at the Buchan pottery as sample pieces to show potters and decorators what the finished product should look like. They were also used to show potential clients how certain pieces and designs would look - so that the retailers could stock similar pieces in their shops. The word was also used on more experimental pieces or designs that did not go into full production.
The tradition Hebrides pattern features a stylised abstract pattern of yellow and blue zigzag lines and stripes. It was a popular pattern in the Buchan Stoneware range with a good mid-century modern feel to the design.
Postage will be with Royal Mail Tracked (Medium Parcel) and applied to your order at the checkout.