Founded in Louisville, Kentucky in the 1880s, J.A. Bauer Pottery originally specialized in containers for the most popular of local products… whiskey. Manufacturing stoneware crocks and bottles – John Andy Bauer built his business on traditional earthenware techniques, thick and sturdy liquor and water jugs which meant to follow function more than form. It wasn’t until Bauer relocated to Los Angeles in 1909 that his innate creativity began to take root.
J.A. Bauer Pottery Bowl, Circa 1940s
Arriving just as a collective of artists were in the midst of dreaming up Arts and Crafts style, Bauer would eventually become one of the most important designers amid a vital American design movement. Inspired by the weather, light and lifestyle of his new Southern California home, Bauer began designing simple and beautiful garden pieces and dinnerware – vibrant and original in both their form and playful, vibrant coloring.
12 Inch Wide Bauer Bowl, Circa 1950s
After Bauer’s death in 1923, the company has continued to thrive under the guidance of several imaginative design directors, among them Louis Ipsen, who created the hugely successful “Ringware” line in the 1930s. Ringware was manufactured with a concentric circle ceramic technique which enabled the company to mass produce sturdy, inexpensive pieces – and which also happened to look great. Ipsen also took Bauer’s original explorations in coloring and ran, offering the Ringware pieces in a huge assortment of hues – my favorites are a pale, delicate turquoise, the color of backyard pool at midday, and the roaring, gutsy orange of a Southern California sun.
This was more than merely kitchenware, it was a spit in the face of the grey shades of the Great Depression – the company bringing a rainbow of color into a world of drabness. Today, Bauer is hugely collectable for good reason (the company closed in 1962) – these are designs whose simplicity defies fads and whose durability beats most ceramics manufactured today.
Bauer Jug with Missing Handle, Circa 1900
9 Comments
I always migrate towards bright pottery of this type at the flea markets but have never purchased any. Maybe now that I know some history, I’ll start collecting. Any clue if these bowls contain led-based paint?
Yes, there is lead in some of the older bowls! I’m doing more research on this and will update the article shortly.
Best, Jessica
Hello Jessica,
Wondering if you were able to find out anything about the safety of eating/serving with the old Bauer pottery and if lead is any kind of issue? Thanks so much!
i have two green mixing bowls with 12 on bottom. no othermark
please let me know info where made, when??
thank you
james bates
Could you tell me about my black or dark (more peweter glazed)
12 in by 4 1/2 in bowl?
The only thing on bottom of the bowl says BAUER with a stamp of an
arrow or more of an impression.
Thank you,
Nancy
James, Nancy,
It is very hard to tell the dates when your bowls were made. Bauer made bowls in hundreds of different designs and colors over the years.
The bowls were most likely made in Los Angeles where the Bauer Pottery Company was located.
Sebastian
I am trying to find out what a stoneware churn that is brown in color is valued at. It says John Bauer & Bro has 2199 below this and
Preston St. below this and Louisville, Ky. below this. Please contact me as soon as possible. I did not realize this was a valuable churn and had planned to put it in the 127 yardsale. I looked up a light colored one at an auction and it bought $ 275.00. Please get back with me as soon as possible.Yard sale starts tomorrow .This has the chip in the bottom like the one I looked at on the computer. Thanks for your help.
Hello Connie, Sorry, we don’t estimate value on vintage products. But I’d still love to take a look at it. You can send me a picture at sebastian(at)kaufmann-mercantile.com. Good luck at the Yard Sale. Sebastian
I have a 10.5″ X 10.5″ straight sided lazed pot marked:
J A Bauer
POTTERY CO
los angeles ca
3
on a Blue shield with a large number 3 under the logo the pot is a sandy colored glaze and has no hole in the bottom. It has been in our family for many years. Can you tell me anything about it or suggest a place to look for information? I assume it is a stock catalog garden pot, but from what period?