-Fruit Basket- still bank c. 20th century

This vibrant "Fruit Basket" still bank was created by an anonymous artist from painted plaster. It's a great example of how humble materials can carry significant cultural meaning. Plaster, typically associated with casts or architectural decoration, here imitates the bounty of fruit in a playful, accessible form. You can see how the inherent qualities of plaster – its ability to be molded and painted – have been fully exploited. The artist carefully built up the form, probably in a mold and then applied vibrant colours to create this cornucopia. The slot turns the sculpture into a functional object for savings, connecting consumption and domestic economy. The creation of plaster objects like this one speaks to a broader history of folk art and craft traditions, often overlooked by the mainstream art world. The anonymous maker transforms an everyday material into something delightful, which can be appreciated both for its form and for its connection to the everyday. It challenges our expectations and invites us to consider the value and artistry found in unexpected places.