Vase 1892 - 1902

This extraordinary vase was created by George Ohr, the self-proclaimed “Mad Potter of Biloxi.” Ohr used clay, an elemental material, but radically transformed it through skilled techniques. He wasn’t just making pottery; he was performing with the medium. Thrown on a wheel, the clay was then coaxed into extreme thinness, folded, twisted, and pinched. The addition of applied handles that look as though they have been pulled from the clay adds to the improvisational feel. The surfaces are mottled with unexpected combinations of metallic glaze. Ohr was deeply invested in the Arts and Crafts movement’s emphasis on handcraft, but he wasn’t interested in simply replicating historical styles. He saw the potential for clay to be expressive of his individual artistry, his labor, and his unique vision. By embracing experimentation, he elevated the status of the potter from craftsman to artist, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire makers today.