Most collectors today are familiar with the name Noke, although perhaps not so familiar with the personalities behind the name. The signature Noke appears on many flambé, Sung and other Burslem art wares from the early to mid 20th Century and was used in fact by both father and son, the latter would replace his father as Art Director at Burslem in the 1930’s.

The late Peggy Davies told us that “old man Noke” was considered a rather tyrannical figure within the Doulton factory. A man of high standards and principles; someone who had the vision to make the Burslem‘venture’ a success for the Doulton company. Under his directorship many of the most popular lines with collectors today were introduced – figures, character jugs, animal studies, serieswares, art wares…the list could go on! 

Charles Noke continued to experiment with glazes long after the departure of Cuthbert Bailey with whom he had perfected the Flambé glaze in the early 1900’s. And so in 1920 Sung was introduced, whereby painted decoration, colour and gilt are fused with the a flambé glaze. I am sure you will agree that from this photograph the pieces are magnificent. However, it is in the flesh that these pieces must be enjoyed to full effect as in this slide. Vases, large and small were decorated with exotic birds, pixies in woodlands, fish in seascapes along with many other subjects. These pieces were painted principally by Harry Nixon, Arthur Eaton and Fred Moore.

Sung glazes can be found on Buddhas, as seen here in this advert from the 1920’s, a handful of suitable early figures from the HN range such as A Spook HN?, as well as animals, in particular elephants, a favourite of Charles Noke.

My thanks to Lion and Unicorn auctions for use of this image. This spectacular bowl is up for auction Sunday 17th May 2026.