Cup c. 1938

These cups were made by Paul Schreckengost, likely sometime in the mid-20th century. What strikes me is the interplay between the geometric and the rounded forms. I imagine Schreckengost, a fellow artist, considering the interplay between utility and design, shifting and emerging through trial, error, and intuition. Look at how the cylindrical base supports the bowl-like upper portion, the handle seems almost too severe in contrast to the gentle curve of the cup itself. This juxtaposition could be a playful nod to the machine age, as if the cup is not just for drinking but also a small sculpture. I wonder if he was thinking about streamlining or efficiency, maybe even poking a little fun at the seriousness of modern design. Whatever the intention, there’s a thoughtful balance here, a quiet conversation between form and function. Much like the artist, we are engaged in an ongoing exchange of ideas across time, inspiring creativity and inviting new interpretations with each glance.