Contemporary Ardmore Ceramic Hippo Dish

A finely hand-crafted ceramic butter dish by Ardmore Ceramics, South Africa, featuring an exquisitely sculpted and painted mother and calf hippopotamus atop a domed lid.

This piece was sculpted by George and Tabo and hand-painted by Goodness, reflecting Ardmore’s collaborative atelier practice in which individual artists contribute to both form and surface. The result is a highly expressive object, combining sculptural presence with intricate, narrative surface decoration.

The hippo and calf are rendered with a sense of movement and character, while the painted surface demonstrates the layered, detailed approach for which Ardmore is internationally recognized. Each work is unique, with subtle variations inherent to the hand-executed process.

Marked to the underside:

“Made by George / Thabo, Painted by Goodness, Ardmore Ceramics, Dec 2020.”

This piece instantly elevates a table setting, or serves as a strong standalone decorative object. An excellent addition to a curated collection of contemporary ceramic art. 

Ardmore ceramics are internationally collected and held in major museum collections, celebrated for their collaborative artist process and expressive, hand-built forms.

A compelling example of contemporary African ceramic art; equally suited to display or functional use.

Dimensions

5.25ʺW × 5.25ʺD × 4.5ʺH

A small chip is present to the ear, as shown in photographs. This does not detract from the overall presentation and the piece displays beautifully. Hand signed and dated.