Vase 1895 - 1912

This green ceramic vase was made by Grueby Pottery sometime between 1899 and 1916. The slightly mottled surface has a handmade feel, and these vertical, organic lines of green and cream drip down from the top, like tears or the slow, persistent growth of plant life. It's interesting to think about the materiality of this vase. What kind of clay was used? How was the glaze mixed, and how many times was it fired to achieve this depth of colour? The subtle imperfections of the surface are, for me, the most interesting thing about this piece. Take a look at the glaze on the top right. Notice how the glaze pools slightly, catching the light and highlighting the texture of the clay underneath. It gives the piece a sense of depth and history, as if it has been slowly shaped by the forces of nature. This kind of hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind object reminds me of the work of Lucie Rie, the Austrian-British ceramicist. Like Rie, Grueby Pottery embraces the beauty of imperfection. It's a celebration of the handmade, and a reminder that art is not just about technical skill, but also about the unique touch of the artist.