Pitcher 1874 - 1892

Editor: This ceramic pitcher, simply titled "Pitcher," was made between 1874 and 1892 by Chelsea Keramic Art Works. It's currently held at the Met. I'm immediately drawn to the face on the handle and the little horse by the spout, which gives it this fanciful, almost mythical feeling. How do you interpret the symbols and imagery on this pitcher? Curator: Indeed, that's a keen observation. Notice how the face and the horse are integrated? It’s more than mere decoration; it evokes a dialogue between the animal and human worlds. Consider how throughout history the horse is often seen as a symbol of power, freedom, and even nobility. What emotions do you associate with seeing a horse depicted this way? Editor: I hadn't really thought about the emotional aspect directly, but it makes sense. It does give it this feeling of freedom and connection to nature. But what about the face, what does it mean to see a human figure there? Curator: Exactly! And that is where we delve into iconography. The face, rendered in this style, carries classical associations – perhaps an allusion to figures in Greek mythology, known for their connection to the natural world, as seen in some Bacchus depictions. They give a sense of time and timelessness together, melding into one cohesive design. Does this change your perspective? Editor: Definitely! Knowing the mythological context makes it much more interesting and gives new depth. It bridges nature with more civilized forms of art making. Curator: Precisely, that tension is vital to understanding the cultural memory being evoked here. The Chelsea Keramic Art Works wasn't just crafting a functional object; they were engaging with a history of symbols. And what has that symbolic past brought to our contemporary ears today? Editor: I can appreciate the craftsmanship in bringing together diverse images from the human world of art with nature through animal symbolism and earthen material. This melding resonates to create something greater. Curator: Well put. I have thoroughly enjoyed thinking aloud about the meaning held by these combined cultural symbols and imagery.