The art pottery movement in America began in the 1870s, coinciding roughly with the beginning of the Arts and Crafts movement, which gained momentum in the 1880s. Ceramics manufacturers designated certain of their pieces as "art" pottery to differentiate those vases and bowls from their more utilitarian ware. Early art-pottery pieces were usually hand-decorated, signed by the designer, and produced in limited numbers. Thus, the word "art" was...Continue Reading