Cup with 'Wave and Moon' Decoration 1900

Editor: This stoneware cup, “Wave and Moon Decoration,” was created around 1900 by Alfred William Finch. I’m really drawn to the contrast between the earthy tones and the cool blues, there's a graphic, almost stylized feel to the whole piece. What catches your eye about it? Curator: It’s the context surrounding this object that captivates me. At the turn of the century, artists were grappling with modernity, seeking new forms of expression and societal engagement. Knowing this was created in 1900 is crucial, don’t you think? Editor: Absolutely! How does that societal context influence our understanding of this particular piece? Curator: Well, the wave and moon motif, abstracted as it is, moves us into thinking about humanity's relationship with nature. We can see these modernist artists looking at how the industrial revolution had a deep effect on society, in this way this piece expresses how people started wanting more of nature in their lives. What is your sense of its abstraction? Editor: It makes me think about the Arts and Crafts movement, a simplified vision. Curator: Exactly, against the excessive ornamentation of the Victorian era. There's a purity in the form and a deliberate focus on the handcrafted nature of the piece. Do you think this suggests a quiet act of resistance? Editor: I think so. It’s a rejection of mass production in favor of something unique. Curator: Precisely. It shows a dedication to a simpler way of life that's almost radical given the historical circumstances. It is fascinating how even everyday objects reflect social and political movements of their time, right? Editor: Yes, now I see it as more than just a beautiful object!