George Edgar Ohr (American, Biloxi, Mississippi 1857 – 1918) earthenware art pottery mug having an applied looped handle with snake head terminus, dark and light brown glaze and inscription to the body reading "Here's your good health and your family's and may they all live long and prosper J. Jefferson". Impressed stamp on the base reading "G. E. OHR. Biloxi, Miss." with additional inscribed letters and numbers "U G81-81". 3 3/4" H x 4" W. Circa 1900. Note: An undated typed letter from the Smithsonian Institution accompanies this lot. It states that this piece was part of the collection of a private dealer that was available for sale at the Renwick Gallery Museum Shop. Biography: (Adapted from the Smithsonian Institution & The Everson Museum of Art & The Ohr-OKeefe Museum) The second of five children with little formal education, Ohr learned to make pottery as an apprentice to his friend Joseph Meyer who worked at the Newcomb College Art Pottery, and who also worked in Biloxi, Mississippi. After mastering the art of clay under the tutelage of Meyer, Ohr spent two years traveling the United States visiting various potteries. He returned to Biloxi in 1883 and established his own pottery studio. He prepared his own clay and glazes and was known for his exceptional ability to produce pieces with thin walls. Ohr was also adept at creating new shapes by "twisting, folding, crushing or denting the clay while the pot was still in a flexible state". He also was known for creating a great variety of glazes that were rich in color and also used in unusual combinations. Ohr would receive honors for his work at the New Orleans Cotton Exposition of 1884-1885 and at the St. Louis Exposition of 1904, among others. According to the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum "Ohr closed his pottery in 1910, packed away his collection, and asked that his heirs keep the collection untouched until 50 years after his death". His heirs honored this request and subsequently around 1972, Ojo Ohr sold approximately 7,000 pieces, to James and Miriam Carpenter, and antique dealers from New Jersey who began to market Ohr's work to collectors in the Northeast.

PROVENANCE: Collection of John H. and Carol R. Evans, Farragut, Tennessee.

CONDITION: Overall excellent condition with no visible cracks or chips.