The 1929 Red Wing Stoneware catalog published the “Red Wing Line,” which included the established “Brushed Ware” and the new “Glazed Ware.” The line consisted of 78 pieces of “Glazed Ware” and 42 pieces of “Brushed Ware” in many different styles: Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts, and Egyptian motifs. This “Glazed Ware” would be the foundation for art pottery creation and production until 1967.
“Glazed Ware” pieces used high-gloss glazes in dark blue (almost black), bright yellow, mulberry, blue, and dark green. As the chemicals for the glazes were hand mixed, there are many variations as to the exact color after firing.
The unusual Nokomis glaze was created by mixing and blending tones of gray, tan, and green glazes that fired to a high metallic-like finish. By the early 1930s, sales of utilitarian stoneware lines had markedly slowed with the widespread use of refrigeration, the extensive use of glass storage containers, and fall out from the Great Depression. In response to the decreased demand for utilitarian stoneware items, the potteries of Red Wing expanded their art pottery production and added dinnerware lines.
