Looking at some George Ohr Inkwell Examples
The ‘Mad Potter of Biloxi’
20 June 2014
Jim Hagenbuch and Glass Works Auctions had some nice George Ohr, also affectionately called the “Mad Potter of Biloxi”, inkwells in their auction #102 that closed this past Monday night. I thought it would be nice to group and compare against some other examples in my files.
George Ohr has been on my radar since attending the Kansas City Art Institute art history classes and hanging out with many ceramic artists in my college days. Pictured at the top of this post, George Edgar Ohr (July 12, 1857 – April 7, 1918) was an American ceramic artist and the self-proclaimed “Mad Potter of Biloxi.” In recognition of his innovative experimentation with modern clay forms from 1880-1910, some consider him the father of the American Abstract-Expressionism movement. Read More
George Ohr Redware Log Cabin Inkwell, Mississippi, ca. 1890 – 1910, mottled olive green and tan color glaze log cabin, 2 3/8”h, 3” by 2 1/4” in diameter. ‘G.E. Ohr / Biloxi’ impressed on the base. Perfect condition. A classic Mississippi Delta rustic log cabin form! – Glass Works Auctions | Auction 102
George Ohr Pottery Cannon Inkwell, Mississippi, ca. 1880 – 1900, mottled brown glaze cannon on an olive green glaze mount, 2 1/4”h, 5” long, ‘G.E. Ohr / Biloxi’ impressed on the base, A tiny chip is off the edge of the base, otherwise in perfect condition. The cannon and mount are two separate pieces of clay joined together. Extremely rare, we have not seen another like it! – Glass Works Auctions | Auction 96
George Ohr Pottery Artists Palette Inkwell, (Badders I-154), Mississippi, ca. 1890 – 1900, overall dark brown somewhat mottled glazed pottery of an artists palette complete with three brushes, two tubes of paint, four paint samples and a pot near the center which is the inkwell. The base is 7 1/2” by 6 1/2” in size, ‘G.E. Ohr’ in script is incised on the base. A very intricate and unusual piece of Ohr pottery that is in perfect condition. – Glass Works Auctions | Auction 102
[see above] George Ohr Pottery Artists Palette Inkwell, (Badders I-154), Mississippi, ca. 1890 – 1900, overall dark brown somewhat mottled glazed pottery of an artists palette complete with three brushes, two tubes of paint, four paint samples and a pot near the center which is the inkwell. The base is 7 1/2” by 6 1/2” in size, ‘G.E. Ohr’ in script is incised on the base. A very intricate and unusual piece of Ohr pottery that is in perfect condition. – Glass Works Auctions | Auction 102
George Ohr Pottery Cabin Inkwell, Mississippi, ca. 1880 – 1900, mottled olive green glaze, 3”h, ‘G.E. Ohr / Biloxi’ impressed on the base, perfect condition. A classic Ohr Pottery cabin inkwell with windows, doors, stone chimney and roof opening, typical of Southern Mississippi cabins of the late 1800’s. – Glass Works Auctions | Auction 96
George Ohr Redware Camping Tent Inkwell, (Badders I-155), Mississippi, ca. 1885 – 1900, mottled brown and olive color glazed camping tent on a rough textured base, 2 1/2”h, 5 3/8” by 4 7/8” size of base, ‘Biloxi’ in hand written script is incised in the base. An in manufacturing base fissure exists. A very rare George Ohr inkwell. – Glass Works Auctions | Auction 102
George Ohr Redware Cabin Inkwell, Mississippi, ca. 1890 – 1910, tan pottery with dark green glaze, 2 1/2”h, applied base has an impressed floral decoration, base measures 4 1/2” by 6 1/4” in size. ‘Biloxi’ in script is on the base. CONDITION: Perfect condition, and with exceptional detail. Ex. Bob Mebane Collection. – Glass Works Auctions | Auction 102
George Ohr Redware Log Cabin Inkwell, Mississippi, ca. 1890 – 1910, yellow with spots of olive green color glaze log cabin, 2 3/4”h, 3 1/4” by 2 1/4” in size. ‘G.E. Ohr / Biloxi’ impressed on the base. CONDITION: Perfect condition. Traces of dried black ink are on the roof. – Glass Works Auctions | Auction 102
Extremely rare inkwell figural by the “Mad Potter” George Ohr of Biloxi, Mississippi. George Ohr who is believed to taken inspiration from the Kirkpatrick brother and created some of the most beautiful pottery that he chose to not share with anyone until after his death. Ohr was a very talented and unusual sole and earned the title of the “Mad Potter.” The intricate log home inkwell is made with a bisque type feel that is lightweight with a variegated green glaze. The piece is marked on the bottom with a block stamp imprint “G.E. Ohr/Biloxi”. – Rock Island Auction Company
