Jar c. 1937

Charles Caseau created this watercolor and graphite drawing of a jar, sometime in the 20th century. Caseau was an American artist who worked for the Index of American Design, a project that documented American decorative arts and folk art. This botanical design on a simple jar may seem quaint, but it reflects a broader impulse to find beauty and meaning in everyday objects. During the early 20th century, there was a growing interest in the Arts and Crafts movement, which celebrated handmade goods and simple forms. Caseau’s design seems to respond to this desire to find artistry in the mundane. The floral motif speaks to a longing for the natural world amidst increasing industrialization. The blue hues evoke a sense of calm, a nostalgic connection to simpler times. This jar design serves as a reminder of how art can transform the ordinary. It invites us to consider the cultural values we project onto the things we use, and how these objects shape our sense of identity and belonging.