Vase

Vase, Elizabeth Gray Overbeck, Mary Frances Overbeck, Overbeck Pottery, c. 1916, Cambridge City, Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields
Maker Elizabeth Gray Overbeck, Mary Frances Overbeck, Overbeck Pottery
Date of Creation c. 1916
Location Cambridge City, Indiana
Materials Glazed earthenware
Institution Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields
Credit Line Gift of Indiana Chapter of the Society of Western Artists
Accession Number 17.247
Photo Credit © Mary Frances Overbeck

This masterwork by the Overbeck sisters features their signature blue glaze backing a stampede of horses depicted in abstracted, flattened, form. Established in 1911, Overbeck Pottery was helmed by sisters Margaret, Hannah, Elizabeth, and Mary Frances, in Cambridge City, IN. Known for their unique forms, ranging from vases to whimsical figures modeled after real people, the sisters were at the center of the Arts and Crafts movement in America and recognized for their mastery of glaze formulas, which remain a secret to this day. To maintain superior quality and artistic individuality, production remained in their Cambridge City home which included a sales floor. Works by these masterful Hoosier artisans were sought after for their graphic nature and skillful application of glaze—a hallmark of Overbeck production. In addition to their home studio, one could purchase an Overbeck piece at the L.S. Ayers flagship department store, formerly on Washington and Meridian Street in downtown Indianapolis, illustrating the commercial reach of high design in the early 20th century. The Overbecks were highly respected as artists and won numerous awards throughout their careers. Today, Overbeck pottery is highly desirable and found in many notable institutions.