Weller Pottery Co. Inkwell

This Weller Flemish inkwell is an example of American art pottery from the early 20th century, specifically part of the highly popular Flemish line produced by the Weller Pottery Company.

Description

• The Design: The piece features the signature Flemish aesthetic, characterized by a matte, wood-like finish that serves as a backdrop for high-relief, raised red roses and green leaves.
• Finishing: The “Flemish” style was intended to mimic the appearance of carved wood or rustic earthenware, often utilizing a brown or tan wash over the raised floral motifs to create a sense of depth.
• Signature: The underside is marked with “WELLER” in small block letters, which is a standard authenticating mark for pieces produced during the height of the factory’s output.
• Form: While primarily a functional inkwell, these pieces were designed as “artware” to complement the Craftsman and Mission-style interiors popular at the time.

The Maker: Weller Pottery

Weller Pottery was a pioneer of the American Art Pottery movement, based in Zanesville, Ohio.

• Founder: The company was established by Samuel A. Weller in 1872.
• Industry Leadership: By the early 1900s, Weller was the largest art pottery factory in the world, employing hundreds of workers and famous designers like Frederick Hurten Rhead and Sicard.
• The Flemish Line: Introduced as one of their major commercial successes, the Flemish line appealed to middle-class collectors who wanted the look of hand-carved art pottery at a more accessible production price.

Age and Origin

• Estimated Date: Circa 1915–1925.
• Context: The Flemish line was produced extensively during this decade. The matte finish and naturalistic rose motif are hallmarks of the Arts and Crafts era, which emphasized organic beauty and simple, sturdy forms.

For another example, see Weller Pottery Inkstand – The Society of Inkwell Collectors (SOIC)