Komfoor van steengoed met zoutglazuur 1901

This is a salt-glazed stoneware "Komfoor", or stove, made by Joseph Mendes da Costa, but without a specific date. It’s all about process with this object: it's very tactile, rough and ready. You can see how the artist plays with the thickness and texture of the clay. It's a reminder of the earth, of something elemental. Look closely at the little circular details around the side – they create a rhythm, a kind of visual heartbeat. They also give the object a slightly industrial feel, like rivets on a machine. The dark glaze pools in the recesses, highlighting the form and adding depth. I love how the artist embraces the imperfections of the medium. It’s like he's saying, "Here it is, in all its messy glory." It reminds me of some of the early studio pottery of Lucie Rie – a celebration of craft and the beauty of simple forms. Art is an ongoing conversation, and this piece is a great example of that.