Matt Morgan: Cincinnati Art Pottery of the Aesthetic Movement
Matt Morgan Art Pottery operated in Cincinnati, Ohio, from 1883 to 1884 -- a remarkably brief existence that makes its wares among the rarest and most sought-after of all American art pottery. English-born artist Matthew Somerville Morgan (1839-1890) had already established himself as a political cartoonist, lithographer, and stage designer before turning to ceramics. Inspired by the Moorish pottery and Hispano-Moresque lustreware he admired, Morgan established his pottery with the help of experienced Cincinnati ceramicists, producing pieces that stand at the intersection of the Aesthetic Movement and the American art pottery revolution.
History and Background
Matt Morgan arrived in the United States in 1878, initially working as a cartoonist for Frank Leslie's publications in New York. He relocated to Cincinnati -- then the epicenter of American art pottery, alongside Rookwood and others -- and founded Matt Morgan Art Pottery Company in 1883. The pottery employed skilled decorators including N.J. Hirschfeld and Matt A. Daly (who later joined Rookwood). Financial difficulties forced the pottery to close after only about one year of production, making authentic pieces extremely scarce.
Identification and Marks
Matt Morgan pottery is marked with an impressed or stamped mark reading "MATT MORGAN ART POTTERY CO." or "MATT MORGAN CIN. O." Some pieces bear an impressed cipher or monogram "MM" within a circular or rectangular cartouche. Decorator initials or monograms may also appear. The clay body is typically a reddish-brown or buff earthenware, consistent with local Cincinnati clays.
Key identification features:
- Moorish-inspired designs with geometric patterns, arabesques, and stylized florals
- Rich, lustrous glazes in gold, bronze, deep blue, and olive green
- Limoges-style slip-painted decoration on some pieces
- Hand-incised or applied decoration rather than mold-produced ornament
Types and Styles
- Moorish / Hispano-Moresque: The signature style, featuring metallic lustre glazes over geometric Moorish patterns. These are the most desirable pieces.
- Limoges-style decorated: Slip-painted designs of birds, flowers, and landscapes on dark grounds, reflecting the influence of the Cincinnati decorating tradition.
- Plain glazed: Simple forms with monochrome or drip glazes. Less common and less valuable than decorated pieces.
- Tiles: Decorative tiles were produced in limited numbers and are extremely rare.
Auction Price Ranges
| Type | Typical Range | Exceptional Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Small plain glazed vase | $400 - $1,000 | Unusual form or glaze: $1,200 - $2,000 |
| Limoges-style decorated | $1,500 - $4,000 | Fine decorator work: $5,000 - $8,000 |
| Moorish lustre vase | $3,000 - $8,000 | Large or exceptional: $10,000 - $25,000 |
| Decorative tile | $500 - $2,000 | Scenic or figural: $2,500 - $5,000 |
Condition Factors
- Glaze condition: Lustre glazes are susceptible to wear. Loss of lustre sheen reduces value significantly.
- Chips and cracks: Given extreme rarity, minor flaws are more tolerated than with common potteries, but damage still reduces value by 40-60%.
- Restoration: Professional restoration is common on these rare pieces. UV light examination is essential.
- Surface wear: Some crazing is typical of the period and body type. Heavy staining in the craze lines detracts from value.
Collecting Tips
- Matt Morgan pottery is rare enough that any marked example is significant. Fewer than a few hundred pieces are believed to survive.
- The Cincinnati Art Museum holds reference examples and documentation. The museum's records can help authenticate questionable pieces.
- Because of the pottery's short production period, fakes are uncommon -- most forgers target more widely known brands. However, misattribution of other Cincinnati pottery as Matt Morgan does occur.
- Pieces with identifiable decorator signatures command premiums. Research decorator marks against known Cincinnati pottery artists.
- Matt Morgan pottery appeals to collectors of both American art pottery and Aesthetic Movement decorative arts, creating strong crossover demand at auction.