DEK Anomalies

While we know that specific ""DEK"" numbers were assigned by Loetz for each unique painted and etched decoration applied to their pieces, a few DEK anomalies have appeared especially in the ""Painted and Gold Relief"" DEK examples. In these instances even though a particular DEK number has been marked on the piece, the DEK pattern may vary with other examples that also ""appear"" to have the same number. These anomalies could have been created by several factors such as a portion of the number has rubbed off or has been distorted, the painter/decorator signed the piece incorrectly, the piece may not be Loetz or Loetz may have commissioned an outside company to decorate it, etc.

It should also be pointed out that the DEK patterns that were carried out in painted enamel or gold relief are not ""exactly"" the same as with a china pattern but rather they exhibit a similar style with the same elements: i.e. decorations that combine the same flower, bird, crescent shape or sweeping branch, etc. If one compares the three DEK I/4 examples shown in the first photo collage, the signature mark ""I/4"" looks the same but clearly the flowing branches painted on the middle example as well as the lack of the unique 5 petal, round flower makes this ""DEK I/4"" different from the other two that exhibit thin crescent branches with spikes painted on one side.

We will continue to add the DEK Anomalies that we find to this section. If you have a theory or information as to why these DEK anomalies occur, we would love to hear from you!