ars longa * 04-006. Russel Wright American Modern tea cup, saucer, and bread & butter plate.

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04-006. Russel Wright
American Modern tea cup, saucer, and bread & butter plate
Steubenville Pottery
USA, 1939
4.75 x 3.75 x 2" (tea cup)
5.75 x 5.75 x 0.5" (saucer)
6.x 6 x 0.75" (bread & butter plate)
Glazed ceramic
Each piece signed with manufacturer's mark and facsimile signature

I can’t ever pass up an American Modern piece at a thrift store, so when I saw these three items bundled together on the shelf, I just grabbed them (even though they all are quite common as far as Russel Wright pieces go). American Modern is the shape that most people associate with Wright’s work, and is a quite distinct design. The teacups in particular are quite beautiful, as can be seen in this grouping.

I do not, however, actively collect American Modern pieces. They are quite fragile, and prone not only to chipping, but to severe crazing as well. Chartreuse in particular is prone to crazing, and is evident in these examples. This isn't too big of a setback when it comes to display, as long as the crazing isn't stained, but using a crazed piece can be dangerous. Microogranisms love these little faults in the glaze, and are a serious health risk. Thus, I don't use any of my American Modern pieces.

Found on April 21, 2004 in Brooklyn Center, MN.

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