Mary Kirk Kelly Signed Green Bell Pepper Ceramic Sculpture – 1993

A wonderfully realistic ceramic green bell pepper by noted Alabama artist Mary Kirk Kelly (1918–2013), signed and dated 1993.

Kelly became known for her trompe-l'œil ceramic fruits and vegetables, carefully modeled and colored to mimic their natural counterparts. This pepper is a great example of her work—the lobed form, subtle variations in green, and modeled stem make it remarkably convincing at first glance. Her ceramic vegetables have become collectible both as Southern studio pottery and as sculptural decorative art. Auction records document peppers, squash, peas, corn, gourds and numerous other botanical subjects by the artist.

Signed “Mary Kirk Kelly 1993” by hand on the side.

Details
Artist: Mary Kirk Kelly (American/Alabama, 1918–2013)
Date: 1993
Subject: Green bell pepper
Medium: Handcrafted and hand-finished ceramic
Approx. 3.5" H × 2.5" W
Weight: .26 lb / approximately 4.2 oz
Signed and dated by the artist
Small vent/firing hole on underside from manufacture

Condition: Very good vintage condition. Minor surface wear, small marks and natural variations are visible, including some wear/color variation around the stem. No obvious major chips or cracks visible in the photographs. Please review all photos as part of the condition description.