Covered Bowl c. 1955

Editor: This sunny yellow "Covered Bowl" by Jens Quistgaard, made around 1955, is quite striking. The smoothness of the ceramic against the simple metal handle really draws the eye. What speaks to you about it? Curator: Well, the yellow immediately suggests warmth, joy, perhaps even domestic comfort. Think about the symbolism of the hearth – this piece, even without seeing it used, evokes those deep-seated ideas of nourishment and family. Do you see how the color creates an immediate connection to shared memories, almost primal in its pull? Editor: Absolutely. And the bowl itself, while simple, almost seems to hint at generosity. What’s interesting is the contrast with the modernist style – that simplicity almost gives it a timeless feel. Curator: Precisely. The symbolism embedded isn't tied to one specific era, it speaks more to a common cultural understanding. Ask yourself, why choose this particular shade of yellow? Is it sunshine, butter, warmth? The design’s purity encourages us to consider these associations deeply. And how does the metallic handle impact that symbolism, contrasting against that smooth surface? Editor: It does add an element of practicality, almost grounding the bowl's optimism. Maybe the artist wanted to balance the emotion. Curator: Possibly, yes. That visual balance invites contemplation. Quistgaard clearly plays with cultural memory through carefully chosen shapes and colors, imbuing this utilitarian object with greater resonance. Editor: I hadn't really considered how a functional piece like this could carry so much cultural meaning. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure. It's those hidden depths that truly make art, in all its forms, endlessly fascinating.