Charger 1950

Curator: Here we have a ceramic charger dating to 1950, crafted by Harding Black and residing here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Editor: That luscious red glaze! It immediately calls to mind sacrificial vessels, the color of vital fluids, with an almost velvet texture begging to be touched. Curator: Absolutely, the striking deep red—often called a "sang de boeuf," or oxblood glaze—places this object squarely within a historical trajectory. Such glazes were prized for centuries, particularly in China. Editor: It’s interesting how such a saturated color evokes notions of wealth and status, but also visceral, earthy sensations. The near perfection, broken by a slight drip near the rim, even feels symbolic. Curator: This charger reflects a conscious adoption and adaptation of historical forms within the mid-century American studio ceramics movement. Black was deeply engaged with rediscovering ancient techniques, adding a modernist twist. Museums often played a role here in celebrating ceramic's shift toward artistic intention versus industrial usage. Editor: Seeing the rich, glossy crimson against the crisp white rim—it’s hard not to feel some level of primal connection, or association of this shade of red with things we hold most precious, or most dear. Even in its simplicity, its surface invites intimate introspection. Curator: The deliberate choice to embrace, rather than obscure, the evidence of the firing process—that slight imperfection—speaks to post-war ideals about authenticity, rejecting mass-production in favor of individualized craft, doesn't it? Editor: The symbolism here, for me, transcends cultural specifics; there is a universality to how such vibrant tones act on the psyche, regardless of whether someone recognizes the historical influences. It just simply... is. Curator: I agree. Understanding the artistic context doesn't diminish the object's inherent impact. Hopefully our visitors now find it equally fascinating from their unique perspectives. Editor: Precisely, understanding its history enriches its emotive potential. I'll think about this piece every time I consider my personal connection with color and craft.