Bauer Pottery Ringware Coffee Mugs with Monterey Modern Copper and Wood Handles

A pair of mid-century modern ceramic mugs produced by J.A. Bauer Pottery Company of Los Angeles. One mug is finished in a vibrant cobalt blue glaze, while the other is in a sunny yellow glaze. Both mugs feature the iconic concentric 'Ringware' design, which was stylized to provide a tactile, ribbed texture. These specific examples are fitted with a rare 'Monterey Modern' style attachment: a wooden handle held in place by two copper bands that encircle the ceramic body. The handles have a distinctive geometric silhouette with a circular finger hole, echoing California Mission and Streamline Moderne design influences. These items likely date from the late 1930s to the 1940s. The copper bands show a natural dark patina and some light oxidation, typical of age. The wood handles appear to have their original finish but show slight darkening from use. The ceramic bodies appear to be in good condition without visible cracks or major chips, exhibiting the thick, saturated glazing characteristic of Bauer's California Colored Pottery line. The craftsmanship highlights the transition from traditional pottery to industrial design trends of the mid-20th century.