Rupert Deese, USA Rupert Deese tall sgraffito 'Forrest' vase Rupert Deese (1924 – 2010), known as Rummy, was a Californian Mid Century Modern ceramic artist recognized for his innovative designs and decoration of high fired ceramics. He graduated from Pomona College in 1950 and, while studying ceramics at Claremont Graduate School in California, taught at the Mt. San Antonio College. In the 1950's, Deese's hand thrown ceramics were available from several interior design firms, including Dean Marshall in La Jolla, California. In 1958 Deese shared a purpose-built studio space with Harrison McIntosh, next to his home in Padua