Crock c. 1940

This Crock was produced by John Tarantino, who lived from 1855 to 1995. Although the date of production is unknown, the crock is made from humble materials like clay, and traditional techniques. It is clear that the artist or artisan had skill in working with clay, shaping it on a wheel, adding handles, and applying a cobalt decoration. The floral motif and the color blue became incredibly popular in utilitarian stoneware in the late 1800s, with many artists taking different stylistic approaches to these traditional works. This kind of pottery was functional, made to hold food or liquids, but it was also an opportunity for creative expression. The labor involved in digging the clay, preparing it, forming the pot, firing it, and painting it speaks to the value placed on handmade objects in a time of increasing industrialization. The resulting object blurs the lines between art and craft, design and utility. Understanding how things are made, and the context in which they are made, allows us to appreciate the social and cultural significance of everyday objects like this crock.