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Claude Conover Furniture

American, 1907-1994

Artist Claude Conover was a master ceramicist, known for rustic pieces that appear roughly finished yet were created with meticulous care. Though he was not averse to using color and glaze, Conover is most noted for his monochromatic ceramics and pottery. These pieces have a simple, rugged appeal, setting them apart from many of his mid-century modern contemporaries. He often etched lines onto the surfaces of his vessels, planters and other decorative objects, giving them an old-world appearance. 

Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Conover attended the Cleveland Institute of Art. From there, he worked for 30 years as a commercial designer. At 55, Conover quit his job and devoted his time to making ceramics, a skill that he taught himself.

Conover put himself on a strict, seven-day weekly schedule in which he focused on specific parts of the ceramic process, from rolling the vase necks to the final furnacing and glazing. Each week, he turned out an average of six unique handmade pieces, creating about 250 works per year. Conover pursued a simplistic style, finding the beauty within the materials themselves without the need for lavish ornamentation or opulent colors. He drew inspiration from nature, always keeping his eyes open to new ideas for form and utility.

Over the course of his career, Conover’s work was shown in scores of museum exhibitions all over the United States. In 1983, he won the Cleveland Arts Prize for Visual Arts. Conover’s ceramic pieces are still widely celebrated by collectors and art enthusiasts. Today, many museums and private collections hold his ceramics and pottery, including the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

On 1stDibs, find Claude Conover serveware, vases and sculptures.

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Item Ships From: California
Creator: Claude Conover
Claude Conover "Ahtzib" Stoneware Vessel
By Claude Conover
Located in Oxnard, CA
Here is a large stoneware vase by American artist, Claude Conover (1907 - 1994). It measures approximately 18" tall, 14" in diameter and is in very good condition. Signed and titled ...
Category

1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Claude Conover Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

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Claude Conover 'Tikal' ceramic vase.
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'Tikal' Vase by Claude Conover
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By Claude Conover
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Untitled Vessel by Claude Conover
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'Tollan' vase by Claude Conover.
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Claude Conover Vase 'Tollan'
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"Kutz" vessel by Claude Conover, 1965.
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Claude Conover furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Claude Conover furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of ceramic and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Claude Conover furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Claude Conover were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Beatrice Wood, Wayne Husted, and Rude Osolnik. Prices for Claude Conover furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $12,500 and can go as high as $25,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $18,250.

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