"Zor and Zorina" Ceramic Arts Studio of Madison Orig Betty Harrington Wall Hangings

They make for wonderful conversation pieces.

If your design style is eclectic, these are going to make for a great expansion and expression of your discriminating eye.

After its founding in 1940 the Ceramic Arts Studio of Madison, Wisconsin mostly specialized in hand-thrown pots. After seeing only mild success, partners Lawrence Rabitt and Rueben Sand would begin looking elsewhere for inspiration.

Betty Harrington, a secretary for the State of Wisconsin, found her children playing with the clay they found from a recently excavated well.

Without any formal training in art but possessing a passionate creativity, Harrington shaped an incense burner out of the clay.

She brought it to the Ceramic Arts Studio on Blount Street, hoping to have it fired; but she found so much more.

Sand and Rabitt enjoyed her work so much, that Harrington became a permanent position as a studio designer.

Her most popular designs included wall-hanging figures like this pair entitled "Zor" and "Zorina".

Each figure features a beautiful finish of speckled green glaze.

Each fold and pleat in their robes is emphasized with a layer of darker glaze, making the detail stand out beautifully.

Their faces are masterfully painted; even their lips and cheeks are ruddy.

The reverse side of each piece features the company's traditional painted hallmark which reads "Ceramic Arts Studio Madison Wis. ©" as well their respective names in capital, stamped letters.

Both are in extraordinary condition, exhibiting little to no wear whatsoever.

This pair is a wonderful representation of the quality and aesthetic of CAS ceramics.

On the inside of the underside, you will find ceramic "dots" that were used originally as an inventory control mark, but is an indicator of early, original, Betty Harrington directed pieces.

Fabulous.

Measurements: Zor: 8 7/8" tall, 4 ½" at widest point, 1 ½" at deepest point, Weight: 214.7 grams (7.57 oz) Zorina: 9" tall, 4" at widest point, 1 3/8" at deepest point, Weight: 243.7 grams (8.6 oz) Total weight of pair: 458.4 grams (16.17 oz)

Item ID: 4413