Jar still bank c. early to mid 20th century

This "Jar still bank," by an anonymous artist, is made of glazed earthenware. Look at the mottled surface, a sort of mineral camouflage of greens and oranges that coats the round form. I imagine the maker, hands earthy with clay, coaxing this vessel into being. Maybe they were thinking about the future, about saving for a rainy day, each coin a small act of hope. The surface isn't perfect; it bubbles and freckles like skin. These imperfections remind us of the human touch, the way the hand wobbles, the kiln's unpredictable kiss. The gesture of creating a vessel, any vessel, is like a long, slow conversation between maker and medium. They push and pull, each influencing the other, until, finally, the object stands alone, speaking its silent, earthy language. It relates to the long history of artists, potters, builders, makers, using the earth to build our world. An ongoing, inspiring conversation.