Accession Number
2007/1.95

Title
Vase

Artist(s)
Markham Art Pottery

Object Creation Date
1904-1913

Medium & Support
stoneware with matte glaze

Dimensions
7 1/2 in. x 4 15/16 in. x 4 15/16 in. ( 19 cm x 12.6 cm x 12.6 cm )

Credit Line
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. E. Thurston Thieme, from the collection of Professor and Mrs. Hugo Paul Thieme, March 26, 2007

Label copy
March 28, 2009
Ann Arbor-based Markham Pottery began when Herman C. Markham, a traveling salesman and a devoted grower of roses, found that he could not get an adequate supply of vases that kept the water cool enough to keep the blooms of his flowers fresh. In the mid-1880s, he began working with the clay in his yard to create utilitarian vases whose understated beauty enhanced, rather than competed with, his roses. By 1905, Markham was joined in this enterprise by his son Kenneth. The pottery that the Markhams developed consisted of a low-fired ceramic body based on classical forms decorated with a distinctive webbing of low relief clay that is part of the mold. Usually fired with matte glazes in earthen colors and stains, the delicacy of Markham ware made their products quite popular.
In 1913, the Markhams moved their pottery to National City, California, near San Diego. There they could take advantage of workspace provided for them at the plant of the California China Products Company. The numbers of works produced by Markham Pottery was not as great as some potteries; the company ceased production in 1921.

Primary Object Classification
Ceramic

Primary Object Type
vase

Rights
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