Bowl 1894 - 1897

This bowl was made in Trenton, New Jersey, by the Ceramic Art Company, sometime between 1889 and 1896. Its refined form is created from white porcelain, with a green and gold decoration painted over the surface. The bowl is an excellent example of ceramics produced in America during the late 19th century. It shows the interest in European styles, but also the emergence of distinctly American ceramic design. The process of making porcelain involves mixing various materials, shaping the object, glazing it, and firing it at high temperatures, a labor intensive procedure. The painting of the decoration would have been painstaking as well. This bowl blurs the line between industrial production and fine art. Companies like the Ceramic Art Company employed skilled workers, but also sought to produce wares efficiently for a growing consumer market. Ultimately, understanding the material, making, and social context allows us to appreciate the nuances of this seemingly simple object, challenging the traditional art versus craft divide.