KENT, ROCKWELL Ceramic dinnerware from the Salamina series

KENT, ROCKWELL. Ceramic dinnerware from the Salamina series. Multi-color transfer ware ceramics featuring the main character from his 1935 book of the same name. Together, 5 pieces. 2 small plates (roughly 6 3/8 inches diameter), a small bowl, a small cup, and saucer. Each piece is marked with Kent's transfered signature, the series name, and the Vernon Kilns name. Vernon, Calif.: Vernon Kilns, 1938-40

In the late 1930s, Kent was hired by Vernon Kilns director Faye G. Bennison to design dinnerware patterns. Working out of his New York studio, he created over 30 designs for three series: Salamina and Moby Dick, both based on his images for those illustrated books, and Our America, which featured a series of cityscapes, nature scenes, and other typically American themes and pastimes. All patterns were transfer-print designs, and the colorful Salamina required some tinting. In her book, "Versatile Vernon Kilns," author Maxine Nelson states "The Kent dinnerware unfortunately was way ahead of its time and although major stores throughout the country placed large orders, about half was returned since it did not sell. Consequently, production was discontinued and not too much is found" (page 26).