A.C.E. Series: History of Art Pottery
“Glazes and simple forms spoke to me,” says the seller of this vast collection of art pottery, amassed over 45 years. His fondness for the medium resulted in an eventual museum-worthy collection of nearly 500 pieces; a selection of which is now available exclusively through EBTH.
The breadth of the works and styles represented made this auction an excellent opportunity to explore the art pottery genre as a whole. “From the late 1800s until the Great Depression, there was a marked shift from utilitarian ceramics to decorated pieces, largely a result of new underglaze techniques that until then hadn’t yet been perfected,” says George Hibben, Senior Sales Associate and longtime collector at Rookwood Pottery in Cincinnati. Founded in 1880 by self-taught potter Maria Longworth Nichols (who took up the form because women were not permitted to paint on canvas), Rookwood ushered in a new approach to the medium that came to be known as art pottery. Trading utility for artistry, studios from California to Colorado to Massachusetts gave the movement momentum with a period of high productivity from studios such as Fulper, Cowan, Greuby and Weller. “Everything was incredibly new and exciting,” explains Hibben. “The work essentially went from china decorating, to decorating on vases, in part because potters were inspired by seeing the Haviland Limoges coming over from France. In 1889, when a Rookwood piece won a gold medal at the Universal Exposition in Paris, “It put Rookwood and American pottery on an international stage,” he explains. “So much was discovered during that time, and there was so much important work done on glazes. Something that people often don’t understand about glazes is that when you combine them, they often create a third glaze that is completely unpredictable and magical.”
Art pottery enjoyed peak production and popularity between 1880-1930, before the Great Depression and changing tastes slowed output dramatically. Many of the studios closed and Rookwood, in 1967, was among them.
In 2006, Rookwood reopened its doors, re-engaged in both pottery and architectural tile production. “It’s about the quality of styles, the glazes, and a little bit of soul,” notes Hibben, of the alchemy behind the genre for so long.
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
1950s West Germany Floral Brooch and Earrings Set Including Rhinestones
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Tacori 18K Sonoma Dew Droplets Ring
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
18K Citrine and Sapphire Ring
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Pair of Old Staffordshire Figures of Cats
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
LeCoultre & Cie "Atmos" Mantel Clock, Mid to Late 20th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Alexander McQueen Two-Way Handbag in Floral Leather
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
BVLGARI Luky Cat Silk Scarf with Box
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Block Langenthal Transition Interaction China Luncheon Set
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Pair of Danish Modern Teak and Custom-Upholstered Side Chairs, Mid-20th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
C. Liton Copy Oil Painting After Cornelis Springer of Dutch Street Scene
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Alexander Calder Color Lithograph from Derrière le Miroir, 1976
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Block "Wyndham" Crystal Biscuit Barrels with Godinger and Other Biscuit Barrels
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
L. Hils Hafele Desert Landscape Acrylic Painting, 1989
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Gregorio Prestopino Watercolor and Ink Wash Painting "Little Grandma"
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Sterling Amber Ring
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Sterling Citrine Necklace
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Walter Stomps Abstract Geometric Acrylic Painting "Galactic Border No. 7"
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Lithograph After Robert Hoppe "Nocturne"
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Model Train Locomotives, Cars, Track, Transformer, Buildings and More, Vintage
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Peter Keil Abstract Portrait Acrylic Painting, Late 20th Century
Who are the main makers from this movement?
It depends on what part of the country you’re in. In Ohio there was Rookwood, Weller, and Roseville. Up north it was Cowan and Newcomb. In Boston, there was Greuby. In Colorado, it was Van Briggle. All happening around the same time.
What stands out to you in this sale?
The 1923 Vera Tischler Rookwood vase is a strong 1920s style: abstract, yet Arts and Crafts. The California Arts and Crafts style ceramic plate is a good representation of California pieces. And a lot of turn of the century West German style can be very Mid Century Modern: cutting edge, sometimes very stark, and you can definitely see the cultural influences within the artwork.
What pieces are in especially high demand?
The artist-decorated, artist-signed pieces are usually one-of-a-kind.