American art pottery, influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, emphasized aesthetic beauty and unique glazes over mass production. Using traditional materials, it was known for a color palette of earth tones. While American Arts and Crafts pottery studios flourished between 1880 and the first World War, some have continued the craft to this day, including Rookwood Pottery, Pewabic Pottery, and Van Briggle Pottery and Tile. Explore a selection of these useful and beautiful works from across the Smithsonian.
“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” —William Morris