Peters and Reed Pottery: History, Lines, and Identification Guide
Overview
Peters and Reed Pottery was founded in 1898 in Zanesville, Ohio—one of the most important centers of American ceramic production. While often overshadowed by larger firms like Rookwood and Weller, Peters and Reed developed a strong reputation for art pottery with distinctive glazes, sculptural decoration, and innovative surface treatments.
Today, the pottery is especially valued for its Moss Aztec line and richly colored matte glazes, making it a favorite among collectors of early 20th-century American ceramics.
Founding and Early Years
The company was established by:
- John D. Peters
- Adam Reed
Both had prior experience working at Weller Pottery, and their new venture reflected a desire to produce similar decorative wares with their own artistic direction.
They initially operated out of a former Clark Stoneware Company building in Zanesville. Financial challenges in the early years led to a restructuring, and the company was formally incorporated in 1901, with:
- Adam Reed as president
- J. D. Peters as treasurer
Production was moved to South Zanesville, where the business found a ready market.
Early Production Focus
Peters and Reed initially produced:
- Flowerpots (a practical and in-demand product at the time)
- Jardinières and pedestal forms
- Decorative vases with applied and painted designs
By the early 1900s, they expanded into:
- Art pottery lines with stylized decoration
- Functional kitchen wares (briefly produced around 1903–1906)
Some early art pieces featured:
- Dark brown glazes
- Light-colored painted or incised floral decoration
Artistic Development
To improve the artistic quality of their wares, Peters and Reed brought in experienced designers, including:
- Frank Ferrell, formerly of Weller Pottery
Ferrell played a major role in shaping the company’s most important line:
Moss Aztec Line
- Introduced between 1905 and 1912
- Features a red clay body with a distinctive surface treatment
- Pieces were dipped in a mixture (including paraffin and oil), creating a subtle greenish cast over rich brown tones
- The effect was described as evoking natural, moss-like surface textures
This line remains the most recognizable and collectible Peters and Reed production.
Other Notable Lines
In addition to Moss Aztec, Peters and Reed produced several other lines:
Chromal Ware
- Known for scenic decoration
- Often compared to landscape-style pottery
- Emphasized pictorial surface design
Landsun Ware
- Featured blended, multi-tonal glaze effects
- Each piece had a slightly different coloration, adding uniqueness
Montene Ware
Teco is best known for its matte green glaze, often with darker undertones.
Produced in two primary finishes:
- Rich copper-bronze iridescence
- Green variegated semi-matte glaze
Pereco Ware
Semi-matte finishes in:
- Green
- Orange
- Blue
Designed to complement interior décor schemes
Persian Ware
- Typically produced in blue and brown matte glazes
- More restrained and understated in decoration
Forms and Decorative Styles
Peters and Reed produced a wide variety of forms, including:
- Vases
- Jardinières
- Pedestals
- Decorative vessels
- Occasional figural pieces
Decorative Techniques
- Applied (appliqué) floral motifs
- Incised and carved designs
- Matte and semi-matte glaze finishes
- Sculptural relief decoration
Many pieces combine simple forms with strong surface decoration, a hallmark of early American art pottery.
Materials and Glazes
- Primarily red clay bodies in earlier production
- Later transition to white clay bodies (after mid-1920s)
Glazes ranged from:
- Deep browns and reds
- Mossy green overlays
- Semi-matte and iridescent finishes
The pottery is particularly known for its earthy, organic color palette, consistent with Arts & Crafts aesthetics.
Transition to Zane Pottery
After John Peters retired in 1920:
- Adam Reed, along with Harry S. McClelland, acquired the company
- The business was renamed Zane Pottery Company in 1921
Following this transition:
- Production styles evolved
- White clay bodies became more common
- The earlier Peters and Reed identity gradually faded
Identifying Peters and Reed Pottery
While marks can vary, collectors should look for:
Common Indicators
- Early pieces may be unmarked
- Some pieces include incised or impressed identifiers
- Design characteristics are often more important than marks
Key Identification Traits
- Moss Aztec surface treatment (green over brown tones)
- Appliqué floral decoration
- Matte or semi-matte glaze finishes
- Solid, well-balanced forms
Because many pieces are unmarked, form, glaze, and decoration style are critical for attribution.
Collectibility and Market Appeal
Peters and Reed pottery has become increasingly popular with collectors due to:
- Its connection to the Zanesville pottery tradition
- Unique glaze techniques
- Strong Arts & Crafts influence
Most Desirable Pieces
- Moss Aztec line examples
- Early, well-documented forms
- Pieces with strong appliqué decoration
- Larger vases and jardinières
Final Thoughts
Peters and Reed Pottery represents an important chapter in American art pottery—bridging the gap between major firms like Weller and the broader Arts & Crafts movement. With its innovative glazes and distinctive surface treatments, it offers collectors both aesthetic appeal and historical significance.