Mid-Century Glazed Terracotta Mermaid - Putti Garden Fountain by Winkle
Located in St. Louis, MO
An exceptional and highly whimsical vintage glazed terracotta garden fountain spouter, beautifully sculpted to depict a charming mermaid child—or putti of the sea—cradling an upturned fish. Attributed to the historic Winkle Terra Cotta Company of St. Louis, Missouri, this sculptural piece exemplifies the finest mid-century American architectural art pottery. It features a beautifully balanced, split bifurcated tail resting on an integrated, circular molded plinth base. The entire figure is enveloped in a magnificent, heavy cream-colored crackle glaze (craquelure), accented with subtle, organic speckling that lends a remarkably sophisticated, stone-like texture and a soft, lustrous sheen. Designed with both artistry and utility in mind, the fish's mouth serves as a functional water spout, perfectly positioned to accommodate internal plumbing for a dynamic water feature. The reverse lower base retains its original factory-stamped lettering beneath the thick glaze, heavily substantiating its St. Louis provenance. Whether utilized as a striking focal point over a classical wall fountain basin, nestled within a lush garden niche, or showcased indoors as an architectural statement piece, this captivating terracotta sculpture offers an enchanting blend of historic character, sculptural depth, and functional aquatic charm. A Legacy of American Architectural Art Pottery Established in 1883 by Joseph Winkle, the Winkle Terra Cotta Company of St. Louis, Missouri, was one of the premier giants of the late 19th and early 20th-century American ceramic industry. Located in the historic, clay-rich Cheltenham district, Winkle transformed raw Missouri clay into highly celebrated architectural embellishments and garden ornaments found across the country. While famous for manufacturing complex, sculpted facade elements for iconic historic landmarks—most notably fabricating the legendary terra cotta ornamentation for Louis Sullivan’s masterwork, the Wainwright Building—the firm also operated highly successful specialty "side lines". From their 6-acre manufacturing plant, Winkle deployed a staff of master, European-trained sculptors and dedicated ceramic chemists to produce fine stock catalog garden statuary, fountains, jardinieres, and urns. Key Historical & Collector NotesMastery of Glaze: Under the direction of specialized ceramic engineers, Winkle pioneered thick, lustrous, weather-resistant cream, ivory, and polychrome glazes. Over decades of exposure, these heavy glazes naturally develop a beautiful, sought-after crackle patina (craquelure). The Sculptural Style: Because the company worked closely with the leading architects of the Gilded Age and the Mid-Century transition, their garden wares consistently display highly refined, classically proportioned motifs—including whimsical putti, sea life, and classical revivals. Market Desirability: Authentic, factory-stamped pieces from the St. Louis terra cotta boom are highly coveted by architectural historians and interior designers alike for their exceptional durability, rich historic provenance, and sculptural depth. Outdoor Statuary, Architectural Salvage, Patio Decor, Poolside Ornament, Solarium Accent, Courtyard Sculpture, Wall Spout, Water Feature, Art Deco, Hollywood Regency, Grandmillennial Style, Classical Revival, Eclectic Chic, Coastal Decor, Grotesque, Mythological Art, Ceramic Sculpture, Fired Clay, Weathered Finish, Majolica Style, Faïence, Stoneware, Aged Patina, St. Louis Pottery, Missouri Art...
1940s American Neoclassical Revival Vintage Clay Fountains
Clay
