Shawnee Pottery

A Brief History

The Shawnee Pottery Company began in 1937 by taking over the defunct American Encaustic Company's factory (which was the largest tiling manufacturer in the world) and much of its skilled laborers.  They were named after the local Indian tribe that was located in the Zanesville, Ohio area.  An arrowhead was also used as their marking symbol on wares.  At the height of operations, Shawnee produced nearly ten thousand pieces of pottery a day intended for five and dime stores and other inexpensive outlets.  They primarily created useful items such as cookie jars, salts & peppers, cooking ware, planters, etc.  Due to increased foreign competition after WWII, sales declined.  The business was finally shuttered in 1961.  Today Shawnee pieces are very collectible with the most well known and popular being the Corn King & Corn Queen lines, Winnie & Smiley Pigs and Muggsy Dog.   

Examples of Work

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corn-kingdeer-doe-planterlobster-bakerlucky-elephantpig-cookiepuss-n-bootsshawnee-marksh-green-bowl

General Information and Websites

Due to the large quantities of pottery Shawnee made, and the low cost of its pieces, they can easily found at flea markets, garage sales and antique malls.  Although the more sought after lines and pieces can be expensive, the lesser desirable forms can usually be acquired very affordably.  (making them a great manufacturer to collect for beginners)  Becoming familiar with what Shawnee collectors covet can lend itself to discovering valuable wares for next to nothing.  (A good eye spots hidden treasures! ;)   

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