- K.T.K. (Knowles, Taylor, & Knowles) Semi-Vitreous Porcelain Pitcher

- Multiple chips and cracks, handle is broken off, please see pictures. This is a very old antique pitcher that has been underwater for decades, it would make a beautiful holder for flowers or a plant, and we cleaned it the best that we could; any other remnants just add more character to this iconic piece of history!

- SOLD: AS IS

- This antique floral pitcher is a beautiful piece of American ceramic history crafted by Knowles, Taylor & Knowles (K.T. & K.), a company that once stood as the largest pottery manufacturer in the United States. Founded in 1854 by Isaac W. Knowles and Isaac Harvey in East Liverpool, Ohio, the company initially operated with just a single kiln producing utilitarian yellow ware and Rockingham pottery. After Harvey sold his shares in 1870, Knowles brought his son, Homer Knowles, and son-in-law, John Taylor, into the business, officially forming K.T. & K. Throughout the 1872 to 1880s period, the company pioneered the industry by becoming the first U.S. pottery to use natural gas to fire their kilns, pivoting to heavy white ironstone and "semi-vitreous porcelain" to compete with fine imports from Ireland and Britain. The "Semi-Vitreous Porcelain" mark on this pitcher indicates it was made from this highly durable, fired earthenware, which was specifically designed to mimic the gloss, strength, and elegance of true European porcelain at a more accessible price point.

By 1891, the company incorporated with a massive $1,000,000 in capital, operating 29 kilns and employing over 700 workers to churn out a finished cask of product every 10 minutes. During the 1890s, K.T. & K. reached the pinnacle of their artistry by introducing Lotus Ware, a flawless, translucent bone-china line designed to compete with Irish Belleek. Lotus Ware swept every fine porcelain award at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and is widely considered the finest porcelain ever created in America. While their floral pitchers—often featuring transferware patterns of roses, irises, or poppies accented with gold gilt—were at the height of their production from the late 1890s through the 1910s, the company eventually faced immense financial strain. Between 1929 and 1931, K.T. & K. merged with several other regional potteries to form the American Chinaware Corporation, but the economic devastation of the Great Depression ultimately forced the collective company into bankruptcy.

- 7 1/2" Tall 3” Wide

-Ed the Diver & Christie B. Stickers & signed picture postcard included with order!

-We found this piece while cleaning the Menominee River in Niagara, Wisconsin!

- Tax & shipping costs applied at checkout