Jar

USA, 1970
E. John Bullard Collection
Date acquired:
Materials:
Stoneware
Form - Functional: N/A
Form - Sculptural: N/A
Method:
Thrown
Surface Technique: N/A
Kiln Type: N/A
Glazes:
Glaze
Ruth Rippon

Ruth Rippon is known for making functional pieces. She was equally comfortable when throwing, coiling or slab building her forms.

Nature was a major influence on her work throughout her career. Rippon was known for making pieces in a full range of sizes from domestic scale to major floor pieces. She was known for her carved surfaces which perhaps lead to the contribution for which she is best known, the development of "sgraffito-through-engobe," drawing or scratching designs into raw clay body through the engobe (a slip-like substance made with clays containing kaolin or calcined kaolin instead of ball clay (used in slips) and a fritted material). Rippon gained considerable public recognition after completing a commission for her “lollies”, short for ‘little old ladies on display’ at the Pavilions Mall in Sacramento, California.

While at California State University, Sacramento, Rippon helped found the University’s ceramic arts program. Rippon was an influential teacher who worked to establish the department’s reputation.

Rippon studied with Antonio Prieto at the California College of Arts and Crafts.

E. John Bullard Collection

Rippon in other collections

TMP collaborates with the finest public and private collections of modern and contemporary American ceramics in the United States. Browse collections to learn about artists and their works. Reach out to us to become a collection partner.

 

Note:

These records have been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced.

Last updated: April 22, 2026

The Marks Project encourages the use of images found on this website for personal, noncommercial use, including educational and scholarly purposes. Some images may be protected by copyright and other intellectual property rights. To request permission to use an image from our website please contact info@themarksproject.org

This resource is for educational use and its contents may not be reproduced without permission. Please review our Terms of Use for more information.