(7) 1920s B Ware of Malibu Potteries Blue, Green, and Gold Ceramic Bowls. Each one slightly different with a semi-geometric pattern in the bottom of the bowls. Marked on bottoms. "B Ware" pottery generally refers to pottery that has been marked as having minor imperfections, such as chips, cracks, or glaze imperfections, and is sold at a discounted price. These items are still functional and often attractive, making them a popular choice for those seeking affordable pottery. Some collectors specifically focus on B Ware pottery, as they are often much more rare. 

Condition: Slight rubbing to rim. 

Largest Size: 9 3/4 x 9 3/4 x 3 in. 

Malibu Potteries was a ceramic tile manufacturer in Malibu, California founded by Rhoda May Knight Rindge in 1926 under the name Marblehead Land Company. After unsuccessfully prospecting for oil on her property near Zuma Beach, Rindge instead found red and buff clays suitable for the production of pottery. A factory was built alongside the ocean coast to produce ceramic tile, and Rindge hired Rufus Keeler, formerly a ceramic engineer at California Clap Products Company (Calco), to run it. Keeler in turn hired his former co-worker William Handley to be their primary designer. At the height of the company’s production, 125 employees produced over 30,000 square feet of tile a month. The company specialized in the production of ceramic tile, with styles influenced by Moorish, Egyptian, Mayan, and Saracen cultures. Their designs were primarily geometric, and murals were made with peacocks, ships, and birds. The company also produced fountains, such as their Peacock Fountain at the iconic Adamson House, the largest remaining concentration of their work in one place. Their ceramics were produced primarily for the architectural, builder, and design trades for use indoors and outdoors on floors, walls, fireplaces, step treads, tables, benches, and fountains, although for a brief period there was some experimentation with home furnishings, tableware, and art objects. However, after the stock market crash of 1929 the pottery closed for a short period of time and reopened, before a devastating fire destroyed the factory on September 30th, 1931. The unsold stock of tile was moved to Rindge’s unfinished mansion near the former factory, which was officially condemned and closed in early 1932. In 1942 Rindge died and her home was sold to the Franciscan Friars, who named it Serra Retreat and retained much of the surviving stock. Serra Retreat was damaged in the 1970 Malibu Canyon wildfire and was rebuilt using many of the original tiles, many of which had been stored away and forgotten about. The vast majority of the tiles were unscathed by the fire, and led to a resurgence in interest in their styles and works. The excess tiles not used in the restoration of Serra Retreat were eventually sold with many winding up in private collections.

Slight rubbing to rim.