1940s Early Work Mary and Edwin Scheier Vessels - 2 Pieces

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Title: 1940s Early Work Mary and Edwin Scheier Vessels - 2 Pieces.
Artist(s): Mary Scheier (1908-2007), Edwin Scheier (1910-2008).
Origin: … Read more Title: 1940s Early Work Mary and Edwin Scheier Vessels - 2 Pieces.
Artist(s): Mary Scheier (1908-2007), Edwin Scheier (1910-2008).
Origin: Durham, New Hampshire (NH), USA.
Material: Earthenware.
Method: Thrown.
Surface technique: Carved, Glaze, Sgraffito, Slip Trailing.
Period: 1940s.

Description:
1. 10.5" D bowl, features an incised low relief figural pattern, of extinct fish motif, curved form, dark rim, and footed base. In soft umber matte glaze ground, amber glaze accents. Signed, "Scheier", to the underside. Period: circa 1940s. Dimensions: 10.5 D x 7 H inches. Approximate weight: 4 pounds, 13 ounces.

2. 9.25" H Vase, features a dual incised low relief figural pattern, of overlapping figural narrative motif, narrow rim, slight bulbous form, and footed base. In soft umber matte glaze ground, gray glaze accents, slight dark rim, and footed base. Signed "Scheier”. Period: circa 1940s. Dimensions: 7 D (4.5 D rim) x 9.25 H inches. Approximate weight: 4 pounds, 9 ounces.

The two pieces are important examples of the Scheiers most prolific and mature works created during the NH period. Noted below are distinguishing characteristics attributed to the Scheiers early work, evinced in the 2 pieces:

-Domestic or functional wares, characterized by Sgraffito.*
-Primitivism motif, reflected Edwin's interest in spirituality and anthropology, featured in # 1 and # 2.**
-Soft glaze colors, inspired by Appalachian Folk Pottery, as shown in #1-2.***
-NH Period, most prolific and mature works, featured in #1 and # 2****
-Typical marks circa the early period.

About the Scheier's and the early work:
*Mary and Edwin Scheier are known for finely thrown functional vessels with sgraffito or applique surface decoration.
**Mary became an expert on the potter’s wheel, throwing thin earthenware pots. Edwin decorated the works using motifs that reflected his interest in spirituality and anthropology.

The Scheiers were both largely self-taught studio potters who worked together throughout their 69 year marriage. Mary and Edwin made individual works, however, these are often indistinguishable and difficult to attribute.

***The Scheier’s early earthenware is characterized by domestic wares with simple geometric motifs and soft glaze colors, inspired by Appalachian Folk Pottery. At their first pottery in Virginia, Hillcrock Pottery, they primarily made small figures and functional wares.

****In 1940, the couple moved to NH to teach at both the University of NH and the League of NH Craftsmen. It was during this period in NH that the Scheiers created their most prolific and mature works. (The Marks Project)

Provenance: Nelson W. Polsky (1934-2007), was Heller Professor of Political Science and past Director of the Institute of Governmental Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, where he taught American politics for forty years. Polsky authored 20 books, along with his commentaries, he illuminated how political institutions evolve. Nelson was an avid collector of Edwin and Mary Scheiers work, acquired directly from the artists in NH.

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