Vase

After training as a painter with his father, Charles Volkmar continued his studies in France. There he became fascinated with the effects of painting on ceramics, in particular the dense, brilliant colors achieved by the kilns in Limoges.

Following his return to New York around 1878, Volkmar opened his own pottery in Greenpoint and began making French-style wares (such as the vases shown here) similar to those produced at FMCo before the arrival of Edward Lycett. Volkmar is an early example of a studio potter who, rather than establishing a large factory, created one-of-a-kind handmade art pottery.