Grueby Moth Jar is Pottery Perfection
Perfection in pottery. Few pieces of pottery sell for nearly $140,000, but it’s not surprising this Grueby Moth jar did at a recent Rago auction of early 20th-century design. Produced by the American Grueby Faience Company between 1898 and 1910, the rare work is emblematic of the company’s roots in the Arts & Crafts movement. Grueby’s pottery and architectural tiles were very popular at the turn of the 20th century, selling in shops from New York to Paris. The Moth jar is glazed earthenware decorated using a cloisonné–like technique, which was a very involved process that Grueby predominately used on their tiles. The beautiful, perfectly fired work is one of four known examples, two of which are in museums.
Photo: Rago/Wright