Vase with stopper c. 20th century

This vase with stopper by Sundi sits in the Minneapolis Institute of Art. It's earthen, solid; the surface is a terrain of warm browns. I love how the texture is so present. It's not trying to be slick or perfect, which I always appreciate in art. You can see the artist's hand, the way the clay was worked, almost like you're right there in the studio with them. The dark lines, almost like delicate veins, crawling across the surface. They remind me of patterns you'd find in wood grain or even the lines on a map, leading you somewhere. It’s like the vase holds stories, or the potential for them. The colors are so earthy, really grounding. This vase reminds me of some of Lucie Rie's work, but maybe with a little more grit. Both artists have such a clear understanding of their medium. Ultimately, it's a beautiful reminder that art doesn't have to be loud to be powerful.