Pa. German Shaving Basin c. 1936

Frances Lichten created this watercolor of a Pennsylvania German Shaving Basin, capturing the essence of a utilitarian object elevated through artistry. These basins, common in 18th and 19th century homes, were typically made of earthenware, shaped on a potter's wheel, then glazed and fired. The appeal here is the way that Lichten's delicate rendering captures the textural qualities of the original ceramic object, with its smooth, reflective surface and hand-painted decoration. The sgraffito technique, where the design is scratched through a layer of slip to reveal the contrasting clay beneath, speaks to the artisan's skill. Each scratch requires a steady hand, revealing both the maker’s expertise and the cultural pride embedded in these everyday objects. What Lichten has done here is to take an object made with considerable manual labor and elevate its status by representing it in a fine art medium. This watercolor asks us to reconsider our definitions of art, craft, and their place in the social fabric.