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This exceptional piece is a prime early twentieth century example of the folk art created within an American sewer tile factory. Entirely hand-modeled and finished in a rich, character-filled glaze, this charming owl stands as a testament to industrial craftsmanship. The base features the naive inscription “OHL”—a phonetic spelling for “owl”—indicating its highly personal, handmade origin. The figure was likely crafted by a factory worker in the Midwest region, most notably Ohio.
During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, industrial pipe factories across the Midwest became the birthplace of a highly distinctive, rough-hewn American folk art tradition known as “end-of-the-day” sewer tile production. At the end of each shift, factory workers would gather the leftover clay that would otherwise harden and go to waste. Instead of throwing it out, the laborers used their own time to sculpt original creations to take home as gifts for their families, sweetheart tokens, or unique garden ornaments. These pieces were then surreptitiously tucked into the massive industrial kilns alongside standard commercial pipes, emerging with the same heavy, industrial salt-glazes or dark brown slip finishes that characterized the municipal sewer lines.
The early 1900s marked the peak of this tradition, giving rise to an array of whimsical and imaginative forms that stood in stark contrast to the monotony of factory work. Worker’s hand-modeled or used homemade press-molds to shape the dense, groggy clay into expressive animals. Beyond animals, potters routinely sculpted oddities like highly detailed cowboy boots, high-heeled ladies’ shoes, tree-stump pitchers, whimsical face jugs, and even custom ceramic tombstones.
Item Date: Circa 1900 -1940
Measurement: Height: 7"
Material: Sewer Tile
Item Condition: Excellent
Literature: See Justin W. Thomas’ article, “A Painted Sewer Tile Figure Of A Cat Recently Found In Southern New Jersey,” published in the April 12, 2024, issue of Antiques & Auction News. See Justin W. Thomas’ article, “Roy Blind: A World War II Veteran And Sewer Pipe Folk Artist From Ohio,” published in the December 16, 2022, issue of Antiques & Auction News.
Price: $1,250
SKU 1283-92
For More Information, Please Contact David Hillier at 978-597-8084 or email drh@aaawt.com.