3272 - Rhodian

Tube-lining: Black
Enamels: Scarlet, yellow, orange & black
Lustres: Gold & grey
Glaze: Mottled
Frequency Ranking: 6/50
Design Date: 1933
Production Period: 1933 - 1936 but a few examples have been seen with younger backstamps, particularly chargers.
Pattern Name: The name Rhodian is recorded in the pattern book and also mentioned in trade journals of the period.

Charlotte Rhead Crown Ducal pattern 3272 Rhodian
Pattern 3272 Rhodian

When the Rhodian pattern was introduced it must have become an instant success, probably equally as popular as Byzantine. Similar quantities of Rhodian were produced within periods 1 and 2, (slightly more in period 2). Wall chargers seem to be the only shape found with younger backstamp styles but these are rare and may have been special orders. The small number of examples seen on the new shapes introduced in 1936 suggests that peak production was would have been during 1934-1935.
It is interesting to note that the pattern book entry has the leaves filled with grey lustre but the uncoloured leaves version is much more common. There are a few examples of Rhodian with the period 1 and 2 backstamp styles with coloured leaves but particularly noticeable is that so do all the late produced chargers made in 1939 to 1942. It is possibly the case that the coloured leaves version was the intended design but because the pattern was so popular, they could save time and produce more by not decorating the leaves. Only about 10% of Rhodian items have the leaves filled with lustre.

Another notable variation are where the flowers are enamelled in the usual manner but the leaves are coloured pale green and blue, the vases may also have the green colour applied to handles and top and bottom bands. Other differences to the design with the green and blue version are that the zigzag borders are left uncoloured, the tube-lining is with blue slip and there is no enamelled stitching at the rim edge.

A third and rare variation, only seen on bowls, has just the zigzag border in the usual scarlet and gold with scarlet stitched edge as the only decoration.

References of the period:
Pottery Gazette and Glass Trades Review, February 1934 page 185

Finally, there are included in the new samples of this house many fine creations in ornamental wares, and particularly in vases, bowls and other items, the work of Miss Charlotte Rhead. A number of these treatments will be marketed under the name of “Rhodian” ware; another, which has for its theme a fruit pattern on a stone-blue and grey ground, with blue at the bottom shading off to stone-grey at the top, will be styled the “Granada.” There is also and interesting decorative treatment known as the “Primula,” which has a green g round overlaid with flowers of that particular species from which the name is derived.