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.
H 6 in W 11 in D 11 in
Signed Claude Conover Sculptural Ceramic Vessel - Mid-Century American Modern
By Claude Conover
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant sculptural ceramic vessel by Claude Conover, a central figure in the postwar American studio pottery movement. Untitled and signed on the underside, the work features a beaut...
Ceramic
H 11.5 in W 17.5 in D 17.5 in
Tamnel Vessel by Claude Conover, Stoneware, Mid-Century Modern, USA
By Claude Conover
Located in Dallas, TX
Discover the timeless elegance of the "Tamnel" vessel by Claude Conover, a notable American ceramist (1907-1994), renowned for his intricate craftsmanship. This large ceramic piece, ...
Stoneware
H 23 in W 9 in D 9 in
23” Claude Conover "Okot" Pottery Vassel
By Claude Conover
Located in Water Mill, NY
Claude Conover 23" Mid-Century Modern large pottery vassel signed and titled "Okot" on base.
Pottery
H 13 in W 9 in D 9 in
Claude Conover 'Chuc' Vessel, Stoneware, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
By Claude Conover
Located in Dallas, TX
A large ceramic vessel by Claude Conover (American 1907-1994) titled "Chuc". Signed on underside.
Stoneware
H 13 in W 9 in D 8.5 in
Chrapas Vessel by Claude Conover, Mid-Century Modern Stoneware, USA
By Claude Conover
Located in Dallas, TX
A large ceramic vessel by Claude Conover (American 1907-1994) titled "Chrapas". Signed on underside. Insert included.
Stoneware
H 19 in Dm 17 in
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Vase by Claude Conover, Signed 1968
By Claude Conover
Located in New York, NY
Claude Conover vase, "Toluca", ceramic, signed. Large hand built incised stoneware vase, glazed in subtle two tone and finely decorated with Conover's signature hatching and scratchi...
Ceramic, Stoneware
H 20 in Dm 17.5 in
Claude Conover "Ulel" Stoneware or Ceramic Vessel or Vase
By Claude Conover
Located in New York, NY
Claude Conover exquisite large glazed stoneware or ceramic vessel titled "Ulel." This stoneware vase is glazed in gray and white and finely decorated with Conover's signature pattern...
Ceramic, Stoneware
H 8 in W 5 in D 1 in
Dutch Studio Pottery Vessel 1960s
Located in Ventura, CA
Dutch Studio Pottery Vessel 1960s Immerse yourself in the tactile beauty of this Dutch Studio Pottery Vessel, a captivating piece from the 1960s that embodies the essence of mid-ce...
Ceramic, Terracotta
H 16 in Dm 15.5 in
Claude Conover Maach Floor Pot
By Claude Conover
Located in Marietta, GA
Striking piece of Midcentury modern pottery, by Claude Conover. Harder to find floor pot, signed / named Maach. #521. Large size, W 12.5” D opening. This pie...
Clay
H 12.25 in Dm 9.15 in
French Designer, Vase, Ceramic, France, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed ceramic vase designed and produced in France, c. 1960s. Signed "M. Taquet" Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 12.25"H x 9.15"D All items...
Ceramic
Large Stig Lindberg Vase for Gustavsberg
By Stig Lindberg
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Unusually large and decorated Stig Lindberg vase with an optical pattern in a different colorway on either side of the vase. Signed to underside.
Ceramic
Nils Landberg "Tulip" Vase For Orrefors
By Nils Landberg
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Delicate vase from the "Tulip" series designed by Nils Landberg and manufactured by Orrefors of Sweden. Signed.
Glass
Ceramic Sculpture by Ka Kwong Hui
By Hiu Ka Kwong
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Rare and large ceramic sculpture by Pop ceramicist Ka Kwong Hui. Signed. Hui immigrated to U.S. in 1948. Received a BFA in 1951 and a MFA in 1952 from Al...
Ceramic
Angelo Lelli Table Lamp for Arredoluce
By Angelo Lelii
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Nicely designed table lamp by Angelo Lelli and manufactured by Arredoluce Monza. Petite lamp with star pattern cut-outs on an adjustable retractable shade. Complete with original int...
Brass, Metal
Mogens Lassen 'Egyptian' Table
By A. J. Iversen, Mogens Lassen
Located in Pawtucket, RI
"The Egyptian Table" designed by Mogens Lassen and manufactured by A. J. Iversen, Copenhagen, Denmark, 1950s. Circular tray table top mounted with b...
Teak
Gene Scherer Jewelry chest. Signed and dated, 1986
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Large and whimsical jewelry chest made of hand-carved stacked laminated walnut, with spring loaded drawers. Signed, dated and in excellent condition.
Walnut
