Drinkbeker van keramiek in de vorm van een sfinx before 1874

This sphinx-shaped ceramic drinking vessel was created by Stephen Thompson. The vessel combines the form of a sphinx with that of a drinking cup. The sphinx is made from white earthenware and has a glazed cup attached to its back. The smooth, cool ceramic invites touch, while the sphinx form lends an air of antiquity and mystery. To create the sphinx, Thompson likely used molds for the body, wings, and head, assembled with slip—a liquid clay—and then fired in a kiln, followed by the glazing of the cup. The combination of utilitarian object and sculptural form challenges traditional hierarchies between art and craft. The vessel reflects a Victorian-era interest in exoticism and ancient cultures, while also commenting on the rise of consumer culture. Consider the many hands involved in the process of ceramic production, from mining the clay to shaping, firing, and glazing. By emphasizing material and making, we can understand the cultural values embedded within the object, challenging distinctions between fine art and craft.