Mystery Potter #2 – Xella, Kella, K Ella
Standing 19cm high and measuring 21cm end to end, this amazingly detailed figure of a North American Blue Jay is another favourite from my collection, unfortunately it’s also a complete mystery!
Marked to the base either Xella 584 or X-ella (Kella, K ella, or K-ella) and bearing a Queensland “We Make it Great in The Sunshine State” sticker, this is either a very interesting piece of late 1980’s Australian pottery or a sticker swapping impostor.
Naturally, I’ve checked and double checked the books, I’ve googled furiously and e-mailed knowledgeable collectors, all to no avail.
Throughout my chats with collectors and dealers regarding this piece, one worrying constant keeps popping up. People keep asking me if I’m sure the sticker belongs to this piece? All I can say is that the sticker looks to be contemporary with the age of the item and also looks to have been in it’s current position for quite some time. I do believe it is Australian made from Queensland but do have to admit that this easily removable sticker is the only thing linking this piece to Australia and Queensland.
Scat pottery were producing similar, highly detailed figures of native and non-native birds in the 1970’s so it’s nothing we haven’t seen from Australian companies before.
The name Xella seems to be of French origin and means “From the Mountain Home” which seems kind of fitting given the material used to produce this amazing bird.
If my Xella Bird proves to be an impostor I’ll be a little up upset but have to admit, no matter what the outcome, this little birdy still has a place reserved in the shelves of my collection. Granted though, if it isn’t Australian it might be pushed a little towards the back of that shelf. LOL
Posted: May 8th, 2011
at 9:10am by Tim
Tagged with Australian Pottery, Mystery Potter, QLD Pottery
Categories: Australian Pottery,Mystery Potter
Comments: 2 comments
2 Responses to 'Mystery Potter #2 – Xella, Kella, K Ella'
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Sorry, but I could not find a contact route to find you. Is there any chance you might be able to advertize(in some way) my upcoming exhibition(140pots) and book(100 pages, all colour) on Melrose ware? I can send an article and pics but will need your email address.
Melrose Art Pottery Tour
La Trobe Regional Gallery (138 Commercial Rd., Morwell) 11th February – 12th April 2012
Bundoora Homestead Art Centre ( 7-27 Snake Gully Drive, Bundoora, Melb.) 20 April – 1 July 2012
Geelong Art Gallery (Little Malop St. Geelong) July 7 – October 7 2012
National Museum of Australian Pottery (76 Albury St. Holbrook, NSW) 3 Nov. 2012 – 17 Feb. 2013
Regards Greg Hill (03)9775 8241 Vic.
Greg Hill
5 Jan 12 at 6:24 am
Its AELLA I think.
Lesley Blair
16 Feb 12 at 2:30 pm