Oscar Louis Bachelder (Wisconsin / NC, 1852-1935), Blue Glazed Pottery Vase

Lot Details & Additional Photographs

Buncombe County, early 20th century, wheel thrown and glazed stoneware, with potter's impressed monogram cipher to the underside, slightly ovoid cylindrical form featuring an allover runny blue glaze, dark glazed interior.

9 x 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 in.

Oscar Louis Bachelder, master potter, was born in Menasha, Wisconsin, the son of Hannah Tipley Bodwell (or Bothwell) and Calvin B. Bachelder. Descended from many generations of potters on both sides, his father worked in the noted potteries at Bennington, Vermont.

Bachelder moved from Wisconsin to North Carolina in 1911 and established the Omar Khayyám Pottery at Luther, North Carolina, west of Asheville. Initially, he made such practical pieces as jugs, churns, and crocks, but later he switched to artistically designed work, explaining: "I wanted to create beauty unmarred by the hand of commerce." An advertising card that he distributed asserted: "Each article has merit and individuality. No replicas. O. L. Bachelder, artist."

In 1919 he won the Logan Prize awarded by the Chicago Art Institute, where his pottery was displayed. Bachelder's work was also exhibited in New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Detroit, Buffalo, and Paris.

Bachelder had many well-known visitors during the years, among whom were writers, students, and other potters who had heard of his work. Paul St. Gaudens of Cornish, New Hampshire was one of the most notable potters who visited and studied pottery with Bachelder. A manuscript preserved in the Paul St. Gaudens papers at Baker Library, Dartmouth College, gives particular reference to their friendship during the early twenties. Hanging above the entrance to Bachelder's shop was a sign that read "OMAR KHAYYAM POTTERY, VISITORS ALWAYS WELCOME."

Oscar fired his work in a groundhog kiln using local wood, and used home-made glazes created out of the abundance of minerals known in the North Carolina mountain soil. Bachelder also made use of glass combined with a fine dark brown slip. These factors, together with Bachelder's keen eye for simple line and color, make his work significant.

Literature:
Johnston, Pat H. O.L. BACHELDER AND HIS Omar Khayyam Pottery, Volume V, Journal of Studies of the Ceramic Circle of Charlotte, Mint Museum of History Exhibition: November 20, 1983 - APRIL 15, 1984.

Good estate condition.