Ben Owen Sr. (1904-1983) American, Art Pottery Lidded Pitcher. Smooth grey shape, with a pinched top on the handle a fitted lid for storage. Paper label attached near bottom with information and prior price. Stamped on base. 

Condition: Minor imperfection on top part, including a spot of missing glaze. 

Size: 9 x 7 1/ 2x 9 in. 

Benjamin Wade Owen Sr. was born on June 4th, 1904 in Moore, North Carolina. His father Rufus was an accomplished potter, and Ben began learning to turn by the time he was four in his father’s shop. In 1923 he met Jacques and Juliana Busbee and was hired as the second potter at their newly built Jugtown Pottery in Seagrove. He experimented with many unique forms under their guidance, traveling around the country with them to museums and social events to research different styles. A particular trip to an exhibition of Asian pottery had a profound influence on him and all his future work, and by 1932 he was Jugtown’s primary potter. He married Lucille Harris in 1937, with whom he had two sons. He remained with Jugtown Pottery until 1959 when he struck out on his own, opening Old Plank Road Pottery as the master potter along with his eldest son, Ben Owen Jr. In the mid 1970s he began instructing his grandson, Ben Owen III, in the family traditions, by which time he had retired from regular pottery work due to health issues and advancing arthritis. He passed away on October 7th, 1983 at a hospital in Pinehurst. His works are now highly sought after as pivotal examples of the early 20th Century style developing in the Appalachians, and after the death of Owen Jr. in 2002, Ben Owen III continued the business at the original facility they had all shared at one time, still working there today.

Minor imperfection on top part, including a spot of missing glaze.