Aztec Vase
Frederick Hurten Rhead, an Englishman by birth and training, was one of America’s leading ceramists at the turn of the twentieth century. As a potter, designer, decorator, teacher, and author, his influence was far-reaching. Rhead’s career extended across the nation and included positions not only at large commercial establishments but also at small art potteries, educational facilities, and therapeutic institutions. Well versed in many of the major techniques of decoration employed during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Rhead throughout his long career embraced the English Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau styles, and ultimately, Art Deco. Developing relationships with many of the key figures in the international Art Pottery movement, among them William Percival Jervis, Taxile Doat, and Adelaide Alsop Robineau, Rhead proved to be one of the most diverse and influential ceramists working in the United States. He also became one of the leading champions of modern design in America, in both theory and practice.
Rhead’s longest tenure in years and perhaps his most productive period, began when he started at the Roseville factory in late 1904. Given the large scale of Roseville’s production, he developed a number of different lines, with varied stylistic approaches and technical concerns. This vase is from his Aztec line, whose name might have sounded exotic, but whose designs bear no relation to Mesoamerican culture. Rhead’s designs were executed in the British squeeze bag technique, and as demonstrated here, hark back to English conventionalized design.
Rhead’s longest tenure in years and perhaps his most productive period, began when he started at the Roseville factory in late 1904. Given the large scale of Roseville’s production, he developed a number of different lines, with varied stylistic approaches and technical concerns. This vase is from his Aztec line, whose name might have sounded exotic, but whose designs bear no relation to Mesoamerican culture. Rhead’s designs were executed in the British squeeze bag technique, and as demonstrated here, hark back to English conventionalized design.
Artwork Details
- Title: Aztec Vase
- Designer: Designed by Frederick Hurten Rhead (American (born England), Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent 1880–1942 New York)
- Manufacturer: Roseville Pottery (1892–1954)
- Date: ca. 1904–08
- Geography: Made in Zanesville, Ohio, United States
- Culture: American
- Medium: Earthenware
- Dimensions: H. 11 1/4 in.
- Credit Line: Gift of Martin Eidelberg, 2020
- Object Number: 2020.64.117
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Frederick Hurten Rhead
1930s
Frederick Hurten Rhead
Homer Laughlin China Company
1930s
Frederick Hurten Rhead
1930s
Frederick Hurten Rhead
1930s
Frederick Hurten Rhead
1930s
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.