Pitcher 1879 - 1882

This pitcher was created by Christopher Dresser, and it lives in New York's Metropolitan Museum. Its form, a fusion of natural and geometric shapes, is evocative of a vessel. Think of the ancient amphorae, guardians of wine and oil, imbued with life's essence. This pitcher is a similar archetype. But, unlike its classical forebears, Dresser's design embraces the industrial age. Its streamlined geometry is less about organic curves, and more about the machine. Notice the glaze, how it mimics the earth's strata? It echoes the alchemist's quest to transform base metals into gold, a visual reminder of nature's transformative power. This longing for transformation, etched into our collective psyche, speaks to the human desire for change and improvement. Dresser's pitcher is not merely a container, but a symbol of cultural memory. A testament to our enduring connection with the earth, and our relentless pursuit of progress.