Vase 1897 - 1900

This eccentric vessel was crafted by George E. Ohr, an American potter, at the turn of the 20th century. Look closely at the opening. The rim undulates with a series of interconnected, organic forms, like a sequence of mouths agape. This 'mouth motif'—a potent symbol throughout art history—can be traced back to ancient fertility rites and expressions of primal emotions. Consider the gaping mouths of Medusa or the figures in Edvard Munch's *The Scream*. They convey raw, unfiltered terror. Here, on Ohr's vase, the mouths take on a more ambiguous quality, hinting at both invitation and warning, a duality that resonates deeply within our collective unconscious. The vessel's twisting form and mottled surface evoke a sense of transformation. The vase encapsulates the eternal dance between creation and decay, inviting us to reflect on our own transience.