Teapot c. 1990

This 'Teapot' was made by Jeff Shapiro, but the date is unknown. What strikes me about this object is its earthiness. It’s not pristine or overly refined; you can feel the hand of the maker in every curve and imperfection. The glaze, if you can call it that, is thick and has an almost metallic sheen. There are little pinpricks in the surface that create a kind of texture that beckons you to touch it. Consider the handle, and the way it arcs over the body. It's as if Shapiro is playing with the idea of functionality versus form, inviting us to question what a teapot *should* be, or how it should behave. I am reminded of Lucie Rie's functional, modern forms, which elevated craft to an art form. Ultimately, this teapot is not just an object to hold tea; it’s a conversation starter, a meditation on form, and a testament to the beauty of imperfection.