Vase 1800 - 1900

Hugh C. Robertson crafted this vase, of unknown date, from glazed earthenware. The vase strikes the eye with its rounded form and rich, flowing green glaze, a cascade of color that suggests natural, organic processes. This verdant hue, reminiscent of aged bronze or perhaps forest canopy, immediately connects the piece to notions of growth and time. Note how the vase incorporates elephant head handles, juxtaposing the animal form with classical vessel design. This contrast might be interpreted as a deliberate disruption of established aesthetic categories, challenging the viewer to reconsider the relationship between nature and artifice. The embossed profile and text add another layer, prompting reflection on the interplay between image and word, presence and absence. Robertson's strategic use of glaze and form invites contemplation on the shifting terrain of meaning and the ways in which objects can destabilize fixed interpretations. It’s a compelling reminder that art is not static, but rather a dynamic interplay of materials, forms, and ideas.