Michael Cardew (British, 1901-1983)Set of Three Bowls bowls i and ii stamped 'CM', 'Abuja' in Arabic, bowl iii stamped 'Abuja' in Arabic (all stamps to the rim of the base) earthenware i) 14 x 33.5 x 33.5cm (5 1/2 x 13 3/16 x 13 3/16in). ii)12.5 x 28 x 28cm (4 15/16 x 11 x 11in). iii)11 x 26.5 x 26.5cm (4 5/16 x 10 7/16 x 10 7/16in). (3) Provenance Acquired directly from the Abuja Pottery Train Centre circa 1970's; Thence by direct descent; A private collection. An advertisement for a Pottery Officer, published by the Crown Agents for the Colonies on behalf of the Government of Nigeria in March 1949, would begin Cardew's introduction in assisting the development of the new concept of the Abuja Training Centre. Engrossed within themunity, Cardew's style naturally adjusted within the new environment and exposure to tradition Gwari styles. Whilst trained in England under Bernard Leach, he was heavily inspired by the pottery work of Shōji Hamada, a Japanese potter and a trail blazer in the subject during the early 20th century. However, in aparative study conducted by John Edgeler of Cardew's ceramics pre and post working at the Training Centre (leaving in 1965), we can see the definitive elements of influence that Cardew had picked up from the Nigerian potters whist working there. Bibliography John Edgeler, Michael Cardew and stoneware, continuity and change , (Wincbe: Cotswolds living Publications, 2008)