Charger 1877

This ceramic charger was made by John Bennett, most likely in the late 19th century, during his time in New York. Bennett was known for his hand-painted ceramics, often featuring naturalistic motifs like the cranes you see here. But it's important to remember that, at the time, ceramics was transitioning from a craft-based practice to industrialized production. So, Bennett's choice to create these works by hand was significant. He applied the colored glazes using brushes, building up layers to achieve a painterly effect. This painstaking process imbued each piece with a unique quality, setting it apart from mass-produced wares. The result is something in between painting and pottery: a decorative object, but also a testament to the artist’s hand. By exploring these techniques, Bennett challenged the established hierarchy between fine art and craft, elevating the status of ceramics as a form of artistic expression. He found a market for his individualized pieces, even as industrial manufacturing was on the rise.