Jar c. 1936

This jar, made by Yolande Delasser, likely involved shaping clay on a wheel, followed by firing to harden the form. The addition of a blue bird motif suggests an interest in decoration, and perhaps a personal touch reflecting the artist’s aesthetic sensibility. What makes this jar interesting is the link between material and making. The smooth surface invites tactile exploration, while the carefully applied bird reflects the artist's skill. It is possible to imagine the labor involved in sourcing the clay, shaping it, and then adding the design. These processes imbue the jar with cultural significance, connecting it to traditions of pottery and decorative arts. The techniques, tools, and traditions engaged with by the artist belong to histories of both craft and fine arts. This challenges traditional distinctions between art and craft, blurring the lines between functional object and artistic expression. Appreciating this jar means considering the labor, materials, and cultural context that shaped its creation.