Most of us know our jobs quite well. With so much time spent on career choices, it’s likely you believe you can do some part of your job with your eyes closed; you’re just that familiar with it. That was often the case with some of the most respected potters responsible for creating those incredible American art pottery lines over the years. One Weller Pottery artist, Art Wagner, knew the Weller Lamar pottery line so well that he once said, “I’ve been using these lusters for such a long time that I can tell by smell what color it is without looking at the label on the bottle.” That’s a true testament to the level of commitment that not only Art Wagner felt, but artists and potters throughout the industry as a whole. This week, we take a look at two of the Weller Art Pottery lines and showcase their distinct nuances and attention to detail.
Weller Pottery Burnt Wood Line
This line of Weller pottery presents just the way the name implies: burnt wood. This middle period line is still one of the most sought after collections in the art pottery world. The tan coloring and dark brown banding, usually found along the top and bottom of each, uses smart shadowing efforts that adds dimension to the finished product. The etching efforts are subtle, though consistent, and the result is a very intricate and eye catching effort. The fact that there exists varying hues of browns and tans makes this entire line quite versatile. Several pieces grouped together makes an interesting and rich showcase and incorporating just a bit of color, maybe from the Weller Floretta line, or any other Weller pottery, links the rich design elements seamlessly.
Weller Pottery Chase Line
If the Burnt Wood is all about detailing efforts and confident etching, the Weller Chase line is focused on those subtle matte finishes and slightly raised designs versus those carvings found in Burnt Wood. Also, where you’re likely to discover several shades in not only Burnt Wood, but other Weller Pottery lines, Chase is more about simple though distinctive color combinations that come together to define truly elegant and eye-pleasing results. This middle period collection embodies fox hunters and dogs and while the navy blue is the dominating background color, there were others used in tandem with the ivory detailing.
These are just two of the Weller Pottery lines. Many collectors have long since appreciated the eclectic combination that defines this American art pottery, which might explain its increasing rarity. Still, if you can locate it, odds are, it’s going to be a wonderful investment and a beautiful addition to any collection. Take a look at the Just Art Pottery Weller Pottery page and see for yourself just how incredible the entire collection is.
