Figurine, Hedi Schoop, Dutch Boy & Girl, Hand Painted Green & White, California Pottery, Hollywood, Vintage 1940s–1950s, Set of 2

Over eleven inches tall each, hand painted in soft green and white, both carrying Hedi Schoop's hand-written "Hollywood California" mark on the bottom — this Dutch couple is exactly what collectors of mid-century California pottery are looking for. The girl holds dried flowers in her apron (we've left them in, and photographed her both with and without — easily removed if you prefer). The boy carries a shoulder pole; the original buckets are missing, but the figure itself is perfect. There is crazing on the girl, none on the boy. Hedi Schoop's couples figurines are the most sought after in her entire line, and this pair exemplifies why — there's a warmth and animation to the modeling that factory pieces rarely achieve.

Hedwig "Hedi" Schoop was born in Switzerland in 1906 and emigrated to Los Angeles in 1933. She began with plaster dolls dressed in fabric, was discovered by a Barker Brothers department store representative, and pivoted to ceramic figures at his suggestion. By 1940 she was selling under the Hedi Schoop Art Creations name, personally modeling nearly every piece in her line. Her best years were the late 1940s and early 1950s. A fire in 1958 ended her studio — she chose not to rebuild. She later worked as a freelance designer for several Los Angeles firms before retiring from ceramics in the 1960s. Hedi Schoop died on April 14, 1995.

A significant find for a Hedi Schoop collector or a serious California pottery collection.

• Maker: Hedi Schoop Art Creations, Hollywood, California, USA
• Era: 1940s–1950s
• Material: Ceramic, hand painted
• Dimensions: Boy: 11.25" tall × 6.5" wide; Girl: 11.0" tall × 7.0" wide
• Condition: Very good vintage. No chips, scratches, or missing paint on either piece. Crazing on girl only. Boy's carrying pole is missing its original buckets. All sales final.