Mug c. 1942

This colorful mug was rendered by George B. Meyer in watercolor, a medium traditionally associated with sketching, but here used to celebrate an object of daily life. The mug's form is simple: a cylinder with a handle, likely made from earthenware clay, and decorated with stylized flowers and foliage. Its design has a folksy quality, a hand-painted charm that stands in contrast to the precision of industrial production. While we might not know the precise origin of the mug itself, the image speaks volumes about the value placed on handmade objects in an era of increasing mechanization. Meyer’s careful depiction of this piece elevates the status of humble, everyday items. It reminds us to consider the artistry and labor involved in crafting even the simplest objects, and the cultural significance they hold. It challenges the artificial hierarchy between art and craft, inviting us to appreciate the beauty and skill present in both realms.