Amongst the new collection of matte green American Arts & Crafts pottery recently received is this ewer by Hampshire Pottery.
Hampshire Pottery was founded by James Taft in Keene, New Hampshire, in 1871. He introduced the popular Matte Green color (shown above) in 1883. Hampshire was always a small producer, making quality art pottery for a discerning collector. As a side business, they made small pieces bearing various resort names for the tourist souvenir market.
The business was shut-down in 1917 on the eve of World War I. After the war, it re-opened briefly, making commercial dinnerware for hotel and restaurant use. It closed for good in 1923.
The ewer, above, is a classic Hampshire Arts & Crafts piece.