Vintage Vases by Red Wing

Neoclassic and Midcentury Modern Vases

… made a long time ago, on the clay-rich banks of the mighty Mississippi River

WARNING! We are all less than perfect

The individual vases you see on this site are acquisitions by our in house treasure hunters. Each vase is offered with no chips, cracks or hairline fractures. Since they are all at least 60 or more years old, you will often see aged stains or glazing imperfections. Not too different from their original appearance out of the kiln, but with added character and an occasional age spot…

Red Wing Art Pottery offers a variety of items, from vases and planters to unique decorative pieces — perfect for showcasing in your home or as thoughtful gifts. Elevate your space with these timeless creations that celebrate the rich heritage of style and American pottery.

Is Red Wing a city or a company?

Quality stoneware products by Red Wing Art Pottery are particularly due to the region's abundant clay deposits. Early on, the stoneware company focused on producing utilitarian items like crocks, jars, and jugs, which were important for everyday use in homes and farms in rural America.

Throughout its early days, Red Wing Pottery was not just about creating products; it was also about building a community. The company fostered relationships with local artisans, contributing to the vibrant heritage of pottery in the region. This commitment to quality and artistry laid the foundation for Red Wing’s legacy in American pottery history, a legacy that continues to be celebrated by enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Red Wing Art Pottery, a hallmark of American craftsmanship produced between 1929 and 1964

By the late 1800s, local potters became known not only for functional wares but also for their artistic contributions. The introduction of decorative items marked a shift in the company’s offerings, showcasing skilled craftsmanship and innovative glazing techniques. The incorporation of colors and designs, including the iconic blue and white motifs, helped the brand stand out in a competitive market.

As the 20th century dawned, the companies in Red Wing began to explore new pottery styles and artistic movements. By the 1920s, Red Wing Potteries, Inc. of Red Wing, Minnesota was producing a wide range of products, including dinnerware and art pottery, contributing to its reputation as a significant player in the American pottery industry. The Works of artists such as Charles Murphy and Belle Kogan plus the design team led by J. H. S. Burchfield played a crucial role in developing the distinctive Red Wing aesthetic that continues to appeal to collectors today.

The blend of traditional craftsmanship with modern design elements helped the company navigate the challenges of changing consumer preferences throughout the decades.

Classically styled molds with beautiful glazes

Traditional crafts and a simpler lifestyle in Red Wing MN

it was

1861

CERAMIC STONEWARE

An immigrant potter from Germany settles a farm in Goodhue County, Minnesota. Rich clay deposits supply him with the raw material for making stoneware with his wood kiln. Later, in 1866, a factory sprang up. Then a larger corporation emerged in 1877 as Red Wing Stoneware Company.

As time goes by, the company names and products change. From utilitarian stoneware crocks and jugs for storing things, to industrial artware which better fits the tastes of modern living.

GLAZED ART POTTERY

Beginning in 1929, Red Wing Art Pottery made a dramatic move toward classic and modern designs. Four important designers were commissioned.

George Rumrill, a designer wIth his own brand and several lines of classic design shapes

Belle Kogan, a New York industrial housewares designer with simple classic lines, color and form

Charles Murphy, trained in fine arts, his modernist designs blended high relief and special glazes

Eva Zeisel is widely renowned for the design of the modern dinnerware line ¨Town and Country¨

The love of all things Red Wing includes dinnerware, jugs, home decor, crocks, kitchenware, figurines, and Art Pottery... art for the common man. Be it Mid-century Modern, Neoclassic, Art Deco or Nouveau…its’s all good.