Vase 1893 - 1903

This vase was made by George Ohr, an American potter sometimes called the "Mad Potter of Biloxi". Ohr was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a time when art pottery was gaining popularity as an alternative to mass-produced ceramics. Ohr distinguished himself through his eccentric personality and innovative techniques. Rather than conforming to prevailing styles, he embraced imperfection, asymmetry, and experimentation. The vase is made of thin-walled clay and features a twisted, organic form. The mottled glaze adds to the sense of unpredictability. Ohr's radical approach was not fully appreciated during his lifetime, and it was only later that his work gained recognition for its originality and visionary quality. His self-promotion made him a local celebrity, but the art world took more time to catch up. To better understand Ohr, we might look to the Arts and Crafts movement, which also valued handcraftsmanship. The meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context.