Reptile Vase c. 1915

This "Reptile Vase" was made by the Fulper Pottery Company sometime between 1860 and 1955. The glossy finish gives it a fluid, almost molten quality. The dark glaze pools in some areas, revealing hints of blue. It's interesting how the body of the vase is so smooth and rounded, while the reptile coiled around the neck adds a textured, almost unsettling touch. The glaze is thick and opaque, concealing the clay beneath and creating a sense of depth and mystery. It makes me think about the tension between control and chance in ceramics. The snake itself is pretty simple but brings the whole piece alive. It reminds me a bit of some of the symbolist paintings from the late 19th century, where everyday objects are infused with a strange, dreamlike quality. Art is a conversation, and the vase speaks to those dialogues.