Covered Figural Dish 1884 - 1890

The Atterbury and Company crafted this covered figural dish from pressed glass in the form of a duck. The overall effect is of a highly stylized, almost abstracted representation, due to the color and the geometric faceting covering the duck's surface. The duck's body is dominated by repetitive diamond patterns which create a play of light and shadow, drawing the eye across the form. These facets refract light, fragmenting the image into a semiotic array, inviting us to decode its elements. Is the dish merely decorative or does it challenge established notions of form and function? The choice of color adds another layer of complexity. The deep ruby red of the glass gives the object an immediate visual impact. The single bright turquoise bead for the eye disrupts the monochrome, drawing our attention. This striking contrast, combined with the piece's structural clarity, suggests that the true artistry lies in its manipulation of form and material, inviting us to look beyond mere representation.