Bear figure and spill holder 1850 - 1875

This endearing spill holder and bear figure was crafted by Parker Pottery in the United States. It is molded in the form of a brown bear leaning over a tree trunk and attached to an oval base. The sculpture's strength lies in its tactile material qualities, which lend it a unique, almost uncanny presence. The Parker Pottery artist skillfully exploits the medium's potential for texture and form. The bear's fur is rendered through a series of incised lines, giving the creature a dynamic and lifelike quality, while the smooth, cylindrical tree trunk offers a pleasing contrast. The semiotic interplay between nature and artifice further enriches the piece, prompting us to reflect on our own relationships with the natural world. Parker Pottery's bear subtly destabilizes established meanings. The animal is rendered as a figure of gentle support, inviting us to reconsider our anthropocentric perceptions. It reminds us that art is not just a static object but an ongoing, evolving dialogue.