Crockery Mold "Rockingham" c. 1939

William Kieckhofel rendered this Crockery Mold "Rockingham" using watercolor and graphite, presenting a harmonious balance between organic form and rigid structure. The eye is immediately drawn to the central motif: a cluster of grapes, carefully modeled with subtle gradations of tone to suggest volume and texture. The grapes are framed by an octagonal border, each side adorned with a series of repeating oval shapes, creating a rhythmic pattern that both contains and contrasts with the naturalistic representation of the fruit. The mold itself becomes a study in contrasts; the smooth, rounded forms of the grapes against the sharp, geometric edges of the mold. The interplay between the organic and the geometric destabilizes the conventional mold design. Note the artist's attention to the play of light and shadow across the surface, lending depth and dimension to what might otherwise be a simple, utilitarian object. This focus elevates the Crockery Mold beyond its functional purpose, inviting us to consider the aesthetic possibilities inherent in everyday design.