lovely Art Nouveau ceramic bowl, signed 'WB' by the artist. I haven't been able to find out very much about this artist, although I did see another bowl with the same shape and a similar flower motif that had the same signature.
I believe this piece to be from the 1910s. The Art Nouveau style could place it as early as the 1880s to the late 1920s, but the flowers may be a clue. They appear to be Himalayan Blue Poppies, formally named in 1912. This could have placed them in popular consciousness and made them attractive as an artist's subject matter.
If it seems unlikely that the formal naming of a flower would be a matter of public interest, consider who named it. The formal name of the Himalayan Poppy, Menconopsis betonicifolia, was given to them by Lt. Col. Frederick Marshman Bailey. (In fact, these flowers are also known as Menconopsis baileyi.)
Bailey, the author of 'Mission to Tashkent,' has long been accused by buying Moscow as being an English master-spy sent in 1918 to overthrow the Bolsheviks in Central Asia. At the very least, Bailey was sent to discover the Bolsheviks' intentions with regard to India.
Whether or not 'WB' knew any of this, the piece stands on its own.
It is approximately 7" long, 6" wide, and 2 1/2" tall.
It is in excellent condition, free from chips, cracks, and repairs.
Product code: C. 1910s Art Nouveau buying ceramic bowl, signed WB by the artist, featuring Himalayan Blue Poppies