Wave bowl 1875 - 1885

The ‘Wave bowl’ was made by Christopher Dresser, a Scottish designer working in the late 19th century. Dresser was a pivotal figure in the Aesthetic Movement. He believed that design should be accessible to all classes of society. In his own words, he wanted to create "art for the people." As you can see, the bowl is shaped like a breaking wave, rendered in vibrant turquoise and yellow glazes. This choice of color and form was deeply influenced by Dresser's interest in Japanese art and design, which gained popularity in Europe during this period. Dresser challenged the traditional Victorian notions of beauty and craftsmanship. Instead he embraced industrial production methods. With its striking form and bold colors, this ‘Wave bowl’ invites us to contemplate our relationship with nature, culture, and the mass-produced object.