Pedestal Bowl with Handles c. 5th century

This pedestal bowl with handles was made by an anonymous artist using clay. Its warm earth tones and tactile surface invite us to consider the handcraft processes that brought it into being. Think about the labor involved: digging the clay, shaping it on a wheel or perhaps by hand, carefully attaching the handles, and then the alchemy of firing. The dark band around the bowl suggests a reduction firing, where the oxygen is limited to enrich the color. The bowl's form, elevated on a pedestal, speaks to its function, perhaps for communal dining, or for ceremonial use. The fact that its maker is unknown reminds us of the many contributions of anonymous craftspeople throughout history; people whose skilled labor shaped our material world. It blurs the lines between art, craft, and everyday life. It invites us to value the artistry embedded in even the simplest objects.