Vase c. 20th century

Curator: Let's discuss this intriguing ceramic "Vase," created around the 20th century, by \u014ctani Shir\u014d. Editor: My first impression? It's quite elemental. The texture and color palette evoke earth and fire – almost like a vessel unearthed from ancient ruins. Curator: Exactly. The materiality is key. This piece exemplifies traditional pottery techniques; the rough earthenware or stoneware reflects an intimate relationship with the earth and the hand of the potter, especially how that rough neck shows a degree of improvisation and control with the thickness. Editor: Indeed, the process seems almost performative, with the dripped glazing highlighting the forces of gravity and heat within the kiln. Visually, the vessel follows a fairly simple form, a narrow mouth on top, yet there is beauty in how the browns accumulate near the lip. Curator: Precisely. Shir\u014d’s labor transforms ordinary clay into a complex surface. The varying glaze effects weren't accidental, but results from very calculated adjustments to atmosphere, firing schedules, material selection. Consumption becomes production, almost like it's its own little climate with materials flowing down. Editor: Absolutely. Viewing it through a Formalist lens, the vase operates as a study in contrasts. Smooth vs. textured, light vs. dark; together create depth. The deliberate imperfection almost defies ideas about the supposed 'perfect form.' Curator: I'd say these surface variegations disrupt traditional boundaries of ‘fine art’ pottery. Mass production techniques render smooth homogenous textures desirable - this moves very far away from that. Shir\u14d emphasizes human, social labor here by making it obviously unrepeatable and full of subtle variation. Editor: Fascinating how the vessel embodies raw tactility and a visual vocabulary reduced to base elements. Each imperfection contributes to the visual appeal in its unadorned state. Curator: It's an embodiment of process and intention of this unique collaboration between human, kiln, and earthly materials, reminding us to question these hierarchies. Editor: A potent reminder, prompting reflection on both the nature and making.