Water cooler c. 1950s

This ceramic water cooler was created by an artist from Michoacan. Look at the texture on the surface—a field of tiny, repeated marks covers the rounded body. You can imagine the artist carefully pressing each one into the clay, building up this dense, tactile surface bit by bit. I wonder what the artist was thinking as they worked? Maybe they were considering the function of the vessel, how it would hold and cool water, or the people who would use it. The glossy green glaze pools in the recesses of the texture, highlighting the pattern and giving the piece a vibrant, organic feel. The lid is topped with a stylized floral form, adding a touch of whimsy and sophistication. The artist is participating in a long conversation about form and function, about decoration and utility. This piece is a testament to the power of craft.