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Bauer Pottery was developed in Paducah, Kentucky in a ceramics factory operated by Andy Bauer. They produced stoneware jugs, crocks, and pitchers, among other items. As the factory's success advanced, the pottery became more and more decorative, including kitchenware and inexpensive housewares, such as mixing bowls, vases, and flower pots. In 1909, Andy Bauer opened a second factory in Los Angeles, in a sector that contained a resource of talented designers and pottery craftsmen. The location was better suited to transportation and more cognizant of the new Arts and Crafts movement. The simple back-to-basic designs reflected the new style, and in 1916 Bauer was producing a new line of pottery in a matte green glaze.
After the death of Andy Bauer, Louis Ipsen directed the production, introducing the famous Bauer Ringware line, which added concentric circles into the ceramic designs. Vibrant colors replaced the dominantly white dinnerware, and along with revolutionary manufacturing techniques, table settings and kitchenware were produced as specialty items, such as cookie jars, oil lamps, teapots, and mixing bowls. The company survived the years of the depression by strict controls of costs and production, maintaining affordable tableware for their loyal customers. Unlike the fragile depression glassware of the same period, Bauer pottery was as durable as it was colorful, and could be used both indoors and outdoors at gatherings and picnics. There have been many imitators, and because only half of all Bauer pottery was marked, it is more difficult to identify authentic pieces. Some marks that they did use, include the name Bauer and variations of the name, such as Bauer USA. 15hqqx.
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