Pekoe Blue
Decorative print or mixed media work on paper • Kersma (as per signature in lower right)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Neo-Fauvism / Decorative Post-Modernism
Medium & Technique
Likely a color lithograph or serigraph with possible hand-embellished gouache or acrylic details, utilizing bold black outlines and flat color planes.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1980s-1990s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 30 inches (image), presented in a portrait format.
Subject Description
A vibrant still life featuring a blue teapot, a tea cup, and a bouquet of stylized roses and floral elements set against a red and gold striped wallpaper background with laurel leaf motifs. The composition incorporates eclectic patterns, including a Greek key-style border on a yellow vase and a dotted textile foreground.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the colors remain vibrant and the paper appears flat within the mount.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $400 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Likely a commercial gallery or high-end decor retail purchase; the title 'PEKOE BLUE' and a copyright symbol are visible in the lower-left margin.
Art Historical Significance
This piece reflects the late 20th-century trend of 'California School' or decorative expressionism, which drew heavily from Henri Matisse's late-stage cut-outs and Fauvist interior scenes to create accessible, vibrant home decor art.
Notable Features
Features a distinct 'Kersma' signature in the lower right and a printed title 'PEKOE BLUE' in the bottom left margin. The use of high-contrast black contouring against saturated primary and secondary colors is a defining aesthetic trait.
Condition Issues
Mild glare from the glazing suggests a non-museum grade glass; potential for light fading if not kept under UV-protected glass, though none is immediately visible. Minor scuffs on the metallic frame.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight. Consider upgrading to UV-protective conservation glass to preserve the highly saturated pigments.