Haviland Art Pottery Pitcher - Signed Eduard Gilles

Peso Priced Item; 
Haviland Art Pottery Pitcher - Signed Eduard Gilles
An absolute surprise when this consignor showed up with this piece of French pottery!
As a young antique enthusiast I learned that the American Art Pottery movement was inspired by the American Centennial  Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876.  The French pottery company sent over pieces like this to the Exposition.  At the time the pieces were revolutionary.. we all know that Haviland porcelain and china is long recognized as fine china, delicate, well decorated ..
These groundbreaking pieces with figural handles broke all the rules!!
Attending the Exposition was Maria Longworth Nichols -- she was so struck by the pottery pieces and taking home so new ideas .... Thus the American Art pottery movement and Rookwood Pottery were born.  
You might imagine I was dumbfounded.. after 50 years of hearing of the famous 1876 Haviland Barbotine pieces two come into the store!!!!
AND furthermore, they are signed by one of the most famous decorators at Haviland at the time.. Eduard Gilles.
Google data on Mrs. Nichols:
Maria Longworth Nichols was an important figure in the world of American art pottery. She began her career, like many women, as a china painter. Like her rival in Cincinnati, Louise McLaughlin, Storer embraced the French technique of barbotine. She is best known for founding the Rookwood Pottery in 1880, which soon became the largest and longest-lasting art pottery in the United States. 
 
9" tall, 8" wide and 2.5" deep.
Very good condition.