Pear still bank c. 1976

Lester Breininger made this earthenware pear still bank, date unknown, and it now resides at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The first thing that strikes you is the pear's plump, curvaceous form, glazed in a rich, glossy brown that evokes both natural ripeness and crafted artifice. Vertical striations mimic the pear's natural texture while hinting at the potter's hand. This playful juxtaposition of form and function invites a semiotic reading: The pear, a symbol of plenty, becomes a vessel for accumulating wealth. The vertical slot, interrupting the pear's smooth surface, signifies both access and containment. The branch-like structure, functional as a handle, is rendered with just enough realism to invite touch, bridging the gap between the object's symbolic and utilitarian roles. Consider how Breininger has destabilized the pear's inherent symbolism by transforming it into a bank. This subversion is not merely decorative; it prompts a deeper reflection on the values we ascribe to natural forms versus constructed objects. This pear, in its unassuming form, challenges us to reconsider our relationship with both nature and economy.