Hi all, trying to identify the maker of this studio pottery pitcher.
- Height 8 in (20.3 cm), hand-thrown, probably stoneware
- Speckled beige-grey glaze; dark green-grey band with light fern / palm-leaf decoration (wax-resist, I think)
- Big strap handle with a scroll attachment at the top, wide flared mouth with a ring collar
- Large brush signature in iron oxide on the unglazed base (photos 2–4)
The signature is one flowing brush mark. I read it as 'SMK' at 0° and 'KMS' at 180°, but a lead from The Marks Project suggests it may be the cursive signature 'Schulps' — John Schulps (1940–2010) of Orland, California, whose work features free-form painted oxide brushwork and wax-resist decoration. The handle shape and speckled glaze look close to his documented pitcher in The Marks Project.
Does anyone recognize this mark — Schulps or someone else? Any help appreciated, including pointers to other mark references.
Photos: 1) pitcher, 2) base signature as photographed, 3) base rotated 180°, 4) signature in four orientations.