In the late 1970s, Claire Burke filled some exquisite porcelain and glass containers with fragrant Claire Burke potpourri and candles. Though their contents may be long gone, these beautiful containers endure. A small but growing number of collectors are discovering the beauty of these early items. Finding one with a trace of fragrance remaining is a joy...one with its original box, potpourri, or poured candle is a true treasure!

Many later Claire Burke collectibles would coordinate with a particular fragrance (i.e., a peach bowl). During this earlier era, however, nearly all containers were filled with Claire Burke Original (a wonderful, spicy fragrance that is still produced today!) The designs were not coordinated with their contents and they are harder to identify as Claire Burke. This guide is intended to help both sellers and buyers identify some early pieces. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list; but rather a good starting point. 

Deauville Porcelain

Pictured: Creme Soap Dispenser, Hinged Box. Not Pictured: Swan Pomander, Jar Candle 

Identifying marks: large orchid design. The base identifies the piece as Deauville by Claire Burke, Made in Japan. See the Country French Porcelain photo--the missing Swan Pomander and Jar Candle are the same style.

Country French Porcelain

Pictured: Ginger Jar, Swan Pomander, Square Box, Jar Candle, Hinged Box. Not Pictured: Long Incense Burner, Round Pomander

Identifying marks: delicate floral design. The base identifies the piece as Country French Collection by Claire Burke, Made in Japan. The Ginger Jar, originally packed with Claire Burke Original Pot Pourri, measures approximately 5" tall. The hinged box contained potpourri; the 2-piece box contained scented shells. The Round Pomander is about the size of a small apple, was filled with scented pellets, and had a fabric loop on the top.

Reminiscents in Pottery or Americana Pottery 

Pictured: Cream Pitcher, Cat Candle, Sugar Bowl Candle. Not Pictured: Salt Box with Pot Pourri

Identifying marks: Tan speckled pottery with country blue design. A "Made in Japan" sticker on the base is the only identification. The Cat Candle and Sugar Bowl contained Original candles. The Salt Box is a round crock with a lid. It has the same design as the pitcher; both were filled with Original Pot Pourri. The pitcher measures 4" tall.

China Candle Box - Rose Handle

Identifying marks: A "Made in Japan" sticker on the base is the only identification. The Claire Burke Original candle inside was topped with a paper ring. Measures 2½" x 3"