Luster Mug c. 1937

Robert Schuerer made this watercolour of a luster mug, sometime between 1855 and 1995. It’s that balance between precision and the handmade that really grabs me. The mug sits so squarely on the page. It's rendered in exquisite detail, especially the lustre of the gold trim and the sheen on the mug's body. You can almost feel the cool, smooth ceramic. And I love the way the gold floral patterns seem to float against the turquoise, each brushstroke distinct, giving the whole image a shimmering, almost ethereal quality. Look at the handle, how it curves so elegantly, catching the light just so. It reminds me of the drawings of Lucie Rie who was also so attentive to humble vessels. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that beauty can be found in the everyday, in the objects we use and cherish.