Lest I be thought a rube because of my preoccupation with the Ugly Lamp competition at the Indiana State Fair, I thought it best to pen a treatise on another favorite category that I am privileged to judge.
While individual categories such as Roseville and McCoy have their own division, there exists a “Pottery at Large” category, which encompasses examples of other potteries. This year, six outstanding items from this one division vied for “Best of Show.”
Though Honorable Mention went to three, all were certainly capable of a prize had there not been such rich competition.
Designed by Wilhelmine Rehm in 1946, and forever caught mid-motion, the design of a panther leaping over a symmetrical Art Deco fan of stylized foliage on a Rookwood lamp base more than deserves an Honorable Mention ribbon. Though many vases suffer the fate of being drilled to make lamp bases, this was intentionally drilled and glazed at the factory to accept the metal accompaniments which are not present. That perhaps is its only flaw, though the crazing normally associated with such transformations is not present because of that fact.
The elegant glaze on a Fulper shape #47 vase has the characteristic “Flemington green” flambé glaze. Characterized by green, brown, and black crystals, the color flows down and around the buttressed supports to suggest an elegant leopard-like skin. The only drawback is that the usual oval mark is obscured by the thick glaze on the bottom, but such an unmistakable form and spectacular glaze needs no ID. Another fabulous Honorable Mention ribbon winner.
In consideration too was an Austrian “blob” of pottery, as one observer exclaimed. At first glance what seems a gray, shapeless mass, upon closer inspection reveals four stems which emerge buttress-like from the base to form four vegetal leaf forms intertwining in harmony to form the sides of the vase. An obscured mark, though present, does not lend enough clues for a positive identification. Obviously a European product of the Art Nouveau movement at the turn of the last century, it too deserves an Honorable Mention.
A hand-thrown, classically shaped bowl with a subdued Modernistic design incised on its sides earns a Third Place ribbon. Understated, with a butterscotch-glazed interior complemented by a deep green exterior, it is a fine example by the esteemed master potter and IU professor Karl Martz (1912-1997). This example, dated 1941, proves that our fair state deserves high accolades among potteries in the nation.
The Overbeck sisters of Cambridge City, Indiana, were world-renowned because of the outstanding vases first produced during the Arts & Crafts era. Not particularly a fan of their later, figural work, I understand it is nonetheless sought after and appreciated. Two soldier/hunters in buckskin, one with a rifle, the other a pistol, prepare for battle while an American flag proudly waves in the background. Dated 1946, consider the numerous hands, masts, and hats that could easily break off. Double figurals like this are rare, especially unbroken after 80 years; add the Indiana connection and an obvious Second Place ribbon is well earned.
There was and is no question for First Prize in this “Pottery at Large” competition. Not only did this entry win first in its category, but also Sweepstakes Prize for Best in Show of all pottery entries. Designed by Fernand Moreau in 1904 for the Terra Cotta, Illinois Pottery TECO, this 14” tall vessel is marked on the bottom with the classic double stamped mark. It exemplifies the elegance of the Arts & Crafts movement through its flowing, organic lines, which mimic rather than reproduce. Elongated plant-like forms gracefully flow into the sophisticated buttressed foot of the vessel. The subtle matte green glaze, highlighted with smoky gray accents, is an outstanding example not only of the potter’s art, but of the movement as a whole. It is a privilege to see such a rare and important example, and I am most honored to have had the opportunity to award it the high honors it so richly deserves.
The entries are ensconced in the Indiana Arts Building at the Indiana State Fairgrounds through August 23.