Art Institute of Chicago

Vase

Design attributed to George Prentiss Kendrick (American, 1850–1919)

Date

1903–9

Medium

Earthenware and glaze

Culture

Boston

Department

Arts of the Americas

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

Inspired by the French earthenware at Chicago's 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, William H. Grueby established his own firm in Boston the following year. By 1900, under the direction of George Prentiss Kendrick, Grueby Faience Company specialized in producing earthenware in solid shapes based on Asian precedents in a small spectrum of matte colors with elegant applied decoration. The color, shape, and symmetrical arrangement of daffodils on this vase evoke Japanese elements that Kendrick would have recognized through his involvement with the Boston Society of Art and Crafts. The beauty of Kendrick's designs—along with the laborious handcrafting—made Grueby among the most popular pottery in the country. Unfortunately, Grueby's devotion to time-consuming applied decoration led to the company's demise.

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