Rare Wharetana Prototype Biscuit Barrel with Tiki Handles

A rare Wharetana prototype slip cast biscuit barrel, the walls modelled as three tiki figures standing facing outwards and with clasped hands forming handles, the lid with three tiki faces. Light brown glaze, with green glazed interior. Repair to one handle, height 20 cm. This unmarked piece was bought by Ngaire Hart around 2006, from a trader who had bought it from a woman whose grandmother worked in the admin at Crown Lynn. Anecdotally she recounted that it was one of two examples made, the other which was gifted to Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to the factory in 1963. It was suggested that this piece did not go into production because of the difficulty of casting and the fragility of the arms that sit away from the body.