Pitcher c. 1920

Editor: Here we have Johan Rohde's "Pitcher," crafted around 1920. It combines silver, metal, ceramic and ivory...It strikes me as both elegant and surprisingly modern in its simplicity. How do you interpret this piece? Curator: Considering Rohde's background, and the context of the decorative arts at this time, I see a dialogue emerging between utility and the desire for aesthetic elevation, wouldn't you agree? It's an object intended for use, but its refined materials, and sculptural form invite a different level of consideration. Editor: So, it’s more than just a container? Curator: Exactly. Think about who would commission and display such a piece in the 1920s. It's less about mere function, and more about demonstrating refined taste, affluence, and embracing a progressive artistic sensibility that valued the applied arts. It would suggest belonging to a specific social milieu. The very materials speak to status, don't they? Editor: It is interesting how an everyday object can be a status symbol. How does the "decorative-art" style impact that meaning? Curator: The "decorative-art" style aimed to elevate crafts to the level of fine art, thus objects like this "Pitcher" became artistic expressions deeply entangled with class and identity. Considering ivory as a symbol during that time also adds a new perspective, doesn't it? Editor: That is true. I hadn’t considered the loaded implications of materials. It really reshapes how I understand the piece. Curator: Right? That is the amazing thing about this intersection of socio-political forces and the visual imagery around it. Editor: Yes, I will definitely view decorative objects differently now. Thanks!