Vase 1874 - 1882

Charles Volkmar created this vase from earthenware, likely in the late 19th century, and decorated it with painted scenes of sailboats. Volkmar was unusual for his time, in that he owned and operated his own pottery in Corona, Queens. His choice of earthenware was both practical and artistic, lending itself well to the vivid, painterly decoration, and marine scenes, which Volkmar favored. The thick slip coating of glaze has a satisfying heft and texture, contrasting with the delicate brushwork of the boats. Volkmar's pottery represents an interesting bridge between industrial production and individual artistry. He embraced the possibilities of ceramic production, while also maintaining a direct connection to the work through his own hand-painted decoration. By considering both Volkmar's skill as a painter, and his embrace of ceramic manufacturing, we can appreciate the vase as both a functional object and a unique work of art.