Kop van aardewerk versierd met vierkantjes in groen en geel c. 1910 - 1920

This earthenware cup, decorated with green and yellow squares, was made by N.V. Plateelbakkerij Zuid-Holland. It’s a reminder that even the most common objects have a fascinating story to tell about the ways they are made. The cup was likely produced on a potter’s wheel before being fired, glazed and painted. The decoration is simple, and the colors are bright, a sign that this cup was intended for everyday use. Yet there’s also a careful consideration of form and color here, typical of the period. The cup’s design reflects a growing interest in streamlining production while still celebrating the handmade. In its time, this pottery would not have been considered high art. But by focusing on its material qualities and the processes involved in its creation, we can see how it embodies wider social and cultural values. It challenges our traditional understanding of fine art and craft.