Title: Rare 1940s Lu-Ray Pastels Windsor Blue Gravy Boat – Hand-Painted Folk Art by Artist Carmen Bussman
Description: Up for sale is a truly unique, one-of-a-kind piece of American ceramic history. This is an original vintage Lu-Ray Pastels open gravy/sauce boat, manufactured by the Taylor, Smith & Taylor Company (TS&T) in Chester, West Virginia. It features the factory’s iconic mid-century "Empire" shape mold, recognizable by its elegant swooping pour spout, low silhouette, and distinctive thumb-rest handle.
The base glaze is the highly collectible "Windsor Blue," a soft pastel shade originally launched in 1938.
The Artwork: While Lu-Ray Pastels were exclusively sold by the factory as solid-colored dinnerware, this specific piece was used as a canvas by twentieth-century studio hobbyist artist Carmen Bussman. She meticulously hand-painted a gorgeous, detailed botanical motif featuring purple grapes, ripe blackberries, and green leaves over the factory glaze.
The piece is prominently hand-signed by the artist ("Carmen Bussman") on the underbelly right alongside the original factory backstamp. The factory shape number "1521" is also clearly visible.
Condition & Details: Manufacturer: Taylor, Smith & Taylor (TS&T) Line/Color: Lu-Ray Pastels in Windsor Blue Shape Number: 1521 (Gravy / Sauce Boat) Era: Circa 1940s–1950s Artist: Carmen Bussman (Hand-Signed)
Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The hand-painted mineral detailing remains vibrant with minimal surface wear. No chips, cracks, or major crazing. (Please review all high-resolution photos for exact cosmetic condition).
A beautiful cross-collectible piece perfect for collectors of vintage American pottery, Lu-Ray Pastels completists, or lovers of mid-century hand-painted porcelain folk art.
