Dedham Art Pottery

The trademark rabbit

I collect all different types of American Art Pottery in shades of blue and green. My grandmother got me started when she gave me a Dedham snow tree dinner plate and a small grape pattern dessert plate. I love them both, and they are without a doubt the stars of my collection.

The first three photos are of the classic Dedham rabbit pattern. Because each piece was hand-painted by artists of varying abilities and experience, each piece of Dedham pottery is unique. Note that the lines in the rabbit's haunches hold the potential for relatively great variation.

For a short time at the beginning of this pattern's production, the crouching rabbits faced counter-clockwise. But soon the factory began producing plates and other pieces with the rabbits facing clockwise, probably because it was easier for the decorators to draw them that way.

Lions and elephants and moths

Although the rabbit plates were (and still are) immensely popular, the factory produced many different patterns, including azaleas, butterflies, dolphins, elephants, ducks, lions, magnolias, moths, snow trees, swans, turkeys and water lilies. Some are quite rare, and highly sought after today. The plates below are examples of the butterfly and horsechestnut patterns.

Every shape and size

There are many different forms of Dedham pottery, as well. In addition to chargers and plates, which seem to be the most common at shows, shops and auctions, the company made bowls, candle holders, coasters, coffee and tea pots, creamers and covered sugar bowls, mugs and cups, egg cups, flower frogs or holders, pitchers,shakers, tiles, tumblers and vases. Below, some unusual forms, including a tea pot and a covered jar.