Zes kannen van aardewerk en zandsteen, opgesteld tijdens de Exposition Rétrospective van 1873 in Tours, Frankrijk 1873

These stoneware jugs were photographed by Gabriel Blaise at the Exposition Rétrospective of 1873 in Tours, France. The use of earthenware and stoneware speaks to a time-honored tradition of pottery, rooted in the earth itself. Look closely, and you’ll notice the subtle variations in texture, weight, color and form achieved through the potter’s wheel and kiln firing. The inherent qualities of clay lend themselves to both functional and decorative purposes, as seen in the varied shapes and embellishments. The photograph captures not just the objects, but the skilled traditions of shaping clay, controlling fire, and creating vessels for everyday use and aesthetic appreciation. These practices belong to histories beyond fine art, deeply intertwined with labor, resourcefulness, and the transformation of raw materials into objects of value. In exploring their materiality, processes, and cultural significance, we can appreciate the depth and complexity of these humble yet evocative artifacts.