Description

This offering includes two handcrafted stoneware teapots created by Melvin D. Rowe, one of Kentucky’s most accomplished contemporary potters. The larger teapot measures approximately 8.5 x 5 inches and displays Rowe’s characteristic wheel-thrown form with layered glazes in rich tonal blues. The smaller teapot, measuring 4 inches long and 4½ inches tall, features a speckled stoneware body with hand-painted cobalt accents and a sculptural arched handle. Together, the pair highlights Rowe’s versatility—one emphasizing refined surface glazing, the other celebrating expressive form and brushwork.

The smaller teapot’s organic, rounded shape and upright handle evoke traditional Asian teapot silhouettes while maintaining Rowe’s distinctly American studio-pottery sensibility. The speckled clay body provides subtle texture beneath the glaze, and the hand-painted blue motifs complement the cobalt glaze that flows along the handle’s contour. Despite its compact scale, the proportions and craftsmanship remain consistent with the artist’s dedication to functional, well-balanced design. This piece pairs naturally with the larger teapot, creating a cohesive yet varied representation of Rowe’s work.

Melvin D. Rowe has been working in clay since 1969 and became a full-time professional potter in 1981. A Louisville native, his craftsmanship is rooted in six generations of Kentucky artisans from Hart County. Rowe holds both a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Arts degree, and he personally formulates all his glazes and clay bodies—a specialized blend of seven clays and ingredients he perfected over more than five years. His philosophy emphasizes removing technical distractions early in the process so the creative elements can flow naturally into each finished piece.

Rowe’s pottery has earned national and international recognition, with exhibitions in major U.S. cities and abroad. His ability to unify utility, form, and surface makes each piece uniquely expressive yet reliably functional. Together, these two teapots form a complementary pair representing different facets of Rowe’s artistic voice—ideal for collectors of Kentucky studio ceramics or those seeking finely made handmade pottery with a strong regional heritage.

Originally operating from a renovated Victorian home in Louisville’s historic gallery district, Rowe later moved his studio to his small horse farm in the Kentucky Bluegrass region. Each teapot he creates is designed not only for beauty but also for proper use—accompanied by detailed care instructions emphasizing the importance of heating water separately to preserve the integrity of the piece. This teapot is a wonderful representation of Rowe’s blend of craftsmanship, tradition, and contemporary design, making it an excellent addition to any pottery collection.

Condition

Please note all items are "as-is where-is"

Measurement(s):

Large Teapot:  8.5 x 5 inches,

Small Teapot:   4 x  4½ inches

Terms and Conditions

1. All items are sold where is, as is.

2. Once payment is completed for item(s) won, the ability to schedule a pick-up time will become available. Scheduling a pick-up time is required.

3. There will be a $20 fee assessed per item not picked up at that time that will be collected prior to bidding again at our auctions. Unlike retail, we do not have the option to store your item. If the item is larger than a standard suitcase (22" x 14" x 10"), we will charge $50 to the card on file per item to move the item.

4. Please plan accordingly as items not picked up are considered "abandoned". Do not bid if you cant pick up this day.

5. You are responsible for ensuring you collect all items at pickup.

6. Legacy uses "Popcorn" or "Extended" bidding. This means if a bid comes in at the last second, it is extended 3 minutes. This is like a live auctioneer saying, "going once" to ensure all bids are exhausted prior to closing.

7. We charge a 12% flat buyers premium on all items.

8. We charge KY State Tax with the exception of vehicles which is collected at the DMV.

9. You must bring help to pickup any items. We can recommend movers upon request. Also, please bring tools for items that require disassembly.

10. Please read our complete terms and conditions for additional details.