Abingdon Sanitary Manufacturing Company, founded in Knoxville, Illinois, in 1908, was the maker of America's finest "sanitary ware": sinks, toilets, water fountains. Their special blend of clays and high-heat firing methods created a "vitreous china" product that was beautiful, watertight, and resistant to damage. Abingdon was the first manufacturer to introduce colored plumbing fixtures to the market (1928). In 1933, Abingdon supplied all the plumbing fixtures to the Chicago's World Fair.
The Depression was not good for the company; nationwide, most building projects came to a halt. Most of Abingdon's orders were cancelled. So, from 1934 to 1950, Abingdon introduced a line of "consumer" artware items—using the very same vitreous china and glazes that they used for their sanitary ware. The result was beautiful Art Deco shapes, sublime glazes, and highly-durable products (aimed at the consumer market). These "affordable niceties" helped keep the company afloat during the worst of the Depression. Over the course of 16 years, Abingdon produced over 6 million pieces, in 1,000 styles, in 149 different colors. Once the Depression (and World War II) were concluded, Abingdon wound-down its artware division, turning its full attention back to sanitary ware (which it produces to this day).
The classic, high-shouldered vase, shown here, has a classic Chinese silhouette, an incised "meander" on the neck, and a series of horizontal incising at the foot. It is durable, heavy and beautiful. Please click on the photo above to learn more about this handsome vase.
More simple, white pottery tomorrow and in the days to come.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
To arrange a visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only), please call 917-446-4248.