Rupert DeBese is known for creating functional thrown forms of cone 5 walnut colored stoneware decorated with geometric repeat patterns.
Deese studied ceramics with Richard Petterson and sculpture with Albert Stewart. For over 50 years Deese shared a studio with Harrison McIntosh, during this time they encouraged and often amused one another but their work remained distinctively their own. Deese and McIntosh shared some glazes, kiln firings and both worked in cone 5 stoneware, however, each had their own unique stoneware clay body and forms. In the case of Deese it was the walnut brown stoneware he used throughout his career.
Deese said of his work, ?Considering the pot shape as primary, I have generally used simple, geometric elements?stripes, circles, incised lines and water-etched repeat patterns?to make the color and pattern of the finished piece?. To create the surfaces he desired, Deese often sprayed the glaze onto his pots. In the early 1950s he was one of the first production potters to produce a catalog to facilitate merchandising his work to department stores.
Other works by Deese
Deese 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.


