Ricardia Art Pottery / Recesso Ware Lidded Box – 15cm – Circa 1920s

A rare and highly collectible Ricardia art pottery lidded box, produced by Richards Tiles as part of their distinctive Art Deco-era ceramic range. Likely dating to the late 1920s, this piece reflects the transition from Arts & Crafts influences into the bold decorative style of the period.

Compact yet striking, the box measures approximately 15 cm in length and features the characteristic form and finish associated with Ricardia / Recesso ware. Pieces from this range are known for their limited production and unique glaze work, making them increasingly sought after by collectors.

Condition:
All in wonderful condition as shown.

About Ricardia Art Pottery

Ricardia is a rare and highly regarded range of fine Art Deco pottery produced by Richards Tiles, once one of Britain’s largest and most prestigious ceramic manufacturers. The range was most likely introduced in the late 1920s and continued into the 1930s, with known dated examples from that period.

Primarily consisting of decorative vases, Ricardia also included bowls, lidded boxes, and smoking accessories. Unlike Richards’ core business of tile production, Ricardia was never a mass-market line and is believed to have been produced in limited quantities—possibly for promotional use, presentation pieces, or select retail display.

The pottery reflects influences from both the Arts & Crafts movement, as established by William Morris, and the emerging Art Deco style of the interwar period. This combination results in pieces that balance organic forms with bold, eye-catching glazes. The range is particularly noted for its complex and vibrant glaze finishes, which highlight the company’s technical expertise.

Due to limited surviving documentation and relatively few known examples, Ricardia remains a somewhat mysterious but highly collectible category of British art pottery. Its rarity and distinctive aesthetic make it especially desirable among collectors of Art Deco ceramics.