Art Pottery, SEG, and Paul Revere Pottery

This inkwell is rectangular in shape with a flat lid and a small knob on top. It has a smooth, glossy finish with a gradient of brown tones, darker at the edges and lighter towards the center. The brand “SEG” and the year (1920) are marked on the underside.

The “Saturday Evening Girls” (SEG)

• Origins: The SEG began in 1899 as a library reading group for immigrant girls in Boston’s North End. It evolved into an arts and crafts community, providing a creative outlet and vocational training.
• Mission: The group aimed to empower young women through education and artistic expression, fostering a sense of community and cultural enrichment.
• Artistic Contributions: Under the guidance of designers like Edith Brown and Sara Galner, the SEG produced hand-decorated pottery, which became highly regarded for its craftsmanship and artistic value.

Paul Revere Pottery

• Establishment: The SEG arts and crafts community eventually led to the establishment of Paul Revere Pottery in 1908. It was named after the American patriot Paul Revere, whose silversmith shop was in the same neighborhood.
• Design and Quality: Known for high-quality artisanal ceramics, often featuring motifs inspired by American folklore and nature. The pottery was distinctive for its clear glazes, allowing the detail of hand-painted designs to shine through.

Second example (blue – mottled glaze)  added.