Method of decorating a surface of an article

A method and apparatus for automatically decorating a surface of an article such as ceramic ware by direct unimpeded deposit thereon of a thick flowable composition material such as a glaze composition. An article surface is pressed into engagement with a mold face having openings therein defining a desired pattern for deposit of the composition material, the openings communicating with a manifold cavity which contains flowable composition material and is in communication with a supply source of such material. In initial position the article surface is above the mold face and manifold cavity and composition material held in the cavity. The article surface and mold face are then vertically reversed in position while retaining sealed contact to cause gravitational flow of the composition material to the openings in the mold face for direct flow of the composition material into contact with the article surface. After a predetermined time, the article and mold member are returned to their original position and excess composition material is removed from the article surface by flowing therefrom. The amount of composition material deposited on the article surface in the pattern defined by the mold face openings depends upon characteristics of the article surface and composition material. An apparatus for automatically performing the steps of pressure engagement of the article face and mold face, reversal of position of the two faces while in pressure engagement, and the return to initial position of the mold face and article face in preselected timed relation to provide desired application or deposition of glaze composition material in a desired pattern on the article surface.