Celebrating Pewabic's Glaze Legacy
Our 2024 Winter Collection is brimming with handcrafted pieces that honor Pewabic’s enduring glaze legacy. Co-founder Mary Chase Perry Stratton was driven by a deep-seated passion for formulating glazes, writing extensively about her “zeal to investigate all forms of art expression” and her reverence for the natural world.
In her unpublished autobiography, Mary details her early attempts at creating viable glazes, a feat accomplished with little guidance from other ceramicists. She relied on a book from her father’s library for basic insights into colorants and ratios. Her first “example of color” came from a small bowl, hastily dusted with black oxide of cobalt around the rim. When it emerged from the kiln, the rich blue glaze spilling over the edges, her “heart rejoiced”, and marked the beginning of her glaze formulation legacy.
From that day on, no experiment was done without meticulous documentation of ingredients and results. Fast-forward to 2024, and our Ceramic Materials Engineer, Alex Thullen, now carries the torch of formulating and recalibrating glazes due to material shortages and changes. This year, we introduce three new glazes which were born from years of testing, resulting in the energetic orange Persimmon, glossy blue Ultramarine, and verdant Elm.
Our new orange glaze, aptly named Persimmon, meets Copper and Blush Iridescent in a show-stopping table display
Merry & Bright – Introducing Persimmon
One of Pewabic’s most memorable museum pieces inspired our new Persimmon glaze. Created in the 1920s using uranium to achieve a vibrant orange glaze, this large vessel’s iconic glaze color has now been reimagined by Alex using modern, safe, and non-radioactive materials. Our bold Persimmon glaze graces our Petite, Mezza, Teardrop, and Step Vases, adding an energetic pop of color to your holiday decor. Stop by our upstairs Museum Gallery to visit this cherished piece of our history and other Pewabic treasures during your next visit to the pottery.
The popular "Uranium" vase (left) from our museum alongside contemporary Teardrop and Step Vases now available in Persimmon
True Blue – Introducing Ultramarine
Born in the Great Lakes State, Pewabic Pottery has called Detroit home since 1903. Our latest release, “Ultramarine,” pays homage to that heritage. This glossy, blue reduction glaze, available on vases, bowls, and drinking vessels, varies from a soft cornflower to a rich, deep blue with freckled iron details and pumice lining that is reminiscent of our hometown football team, the Detroit Lions! The depth and range of this glaze surfaces are achieved thanks to the oxygen-starved, reduction glaze firing each Ultramarine piece goes through.
Our new glaze Ultramarine pictured here on Pewabic's Classic, Petite, and Step Vases
Replacing Sorrel - Heritage Collection Vases in Elm
Creating a green glaze that captures the essence of our historic “flowing matte” finish required extensive testing. Our team explored existing glazes in our library and developed custom formulas to complement vessels in our Heritage Collection. Originally, we crafted "Sorrel" for our Snowdrop and Lotus vases. However, after encountering challenges with glaze stability and material availability, we had to create an alternative.
After years of trials, Elm emerged—our tribute to the American Arts and Crafts Movement. Elm not only enhances our Snowdrop and Lotus Vases, but also applies beautifully to our Pinecone and Celtic vessels.
Pieces from our beloved Heritage Collection now available in Elm
The Annual Snowflake Ornament Trio
Each year, staff members submit their snowflake designs for our annual Snowflake Ornament trio. This time-honored tradition brings every department at Pewabic together to create limited-edition, seasonal keepsakes. These shimmering, collectible ornaments have become part of family traditions, and we are honored to be part of so many holiday memories. Explore the 2024 Snowflake Collection in-store or online while supplies last!
The 2024 Snowflake Ornament Set (from left to right) Snowspire, Alpine, and Kirigami
Snowflake Trivet – Back from the Vault
Perfect for holiday hosting, our Snowflake Trivets are back! Featuring an art deco-inspired design, these versatile tiles can act as dependable sous chefs during holiday food prep or as decor for your guests to enjoy. Available in Pewabic Blue, Birch, and Celestite, they’re sure to add a touch of wintery goodness to any gathering.
7" Snowflake Trivet in Celestite
The Second Zodiac Collection Trio – Cancer, Leo, and Virgo
Following the release of Aries, Taurus, and Gemini, we now welcome Cancer, Leo, and Virgo. Pewabic Designer Chris Mayse has had his hands full sculpting all twelve astrological signs, and we’re thrilled to reach the halfway point with this trio. Each tile reflects its zodiac element with glazes inspired by nature: Cancer in Ocean, Leo in Honey Gloss, and Virgo in a lush Emerald. Learn more about Chris’s creative journey in our blog post, “The Zodiac Series.”
The Zodiac Series Tiles in Blush Iridescent
Winterberry – A Seasonal Favorite Returns
Our beloved Winterberry glaze is back for a limited time! Adorned on vases, bowls, and drinking vessels, this high-gloss glaze is the perfect way to add a festive, cozy touch to your home. Discover the full Winterberry Collection online or in-store and bring a piece of holiday cheer to your celebrations.
From left to right: Our Classic Vase, Medium Classic Bowls, and Classic Mug in seasonal Winterberry
Mooncake Paperweights
Inspired by traditional Chinese mooncakes enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival, our Mooncake Paperweights embody the sentiment of sharing culture through food. Frances Ma designed this piece, featuring the Wufu symbol for “five blessings,” and it is available in several glaze options including Blush Iridescent, Molasses, Celadon, Scarlet/Honey, and Lapis/Natural.
INew Mooncake Paperweights in a range of glaze options featured in our 2024 Winter Collection
Hand-Painted Mushrooms – Artistry in Every Tile
In collaboration with our talented Glaze Team, we’ve crafted a hand-painted palette for each of our charming 3x3 Mushroom Tiles designed by Kevin Kwiatkowski. Oyster, Amanita, and Morel mushrooms come alive in lively colors, capturing the beauty of nature in a small but stunning line-drawn form.
Our 3" x 3" Oyster, Amanita, and Morel Mushroom Tiles are now available Hand-Painted
Collegiate Collection Update – Introducing U-M Ornaments
We are excited to introduce University of Michigan ornaments in Maize (Honey Gloss) and Blue (Ocean). Pewabic Co-Founder Mary Chase Perry Stratton played an instrumental role in establishing the art program at U-M, where she lectured and applied for grants to support art education. Her contributions were honored with an honorary Master of Arts degree in 1930. Discover more about Pewabic’s educational legacy in our blog post “Pewabic’s Educational Legacy.”
New University of Michigan Ornaments join our Collegiate Collection along with our Michigan State University ornaments
Handcrafted Feather Jewelry – New Colors for the Season
Carry a piece of Pewabic art wherever you go with our expanded Feather Jewelry Collection designed by Amanda Rogers. Available in Blush Iridescent, Molasses, Lake Superior, and Dusk, these necklaces make thoughtful, wearable gifts for any art lovers or ornithologists on your list.
Celebrate the season with Pewabic’s 2024 Winter Collection, available in-store and online. We look forward to sharing the joy of handcrafted art with you and wish you a bright and beautiful holiday season!
A brilliant Blush Iridescent Feather Necklace as part of our Jewelry Collection
VIEW OUR INTERACTIVE 2024 WINTER CATALOG
