Tea Set (cup)

Barbara Walch, Tea Set (cup), n.d., hand built glazed stoneware, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Ferrin Gallery in honor of our Twentieth Anniversary, 2001.41.3, © Barbara Walch
Copied Barbara Walch, Tea Set (cup), n.d., hand built glazed stoneware, 25 123 12 in. (5.114.08.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Ferrin Gallery in honor of our Twentieth Anniversary, 2001.41.3, © Barbara Walch

Artwork Details

Title
Tea Set (cup)
Date
n.d.
Dimensions
25 123 12 in. (5.114.08.9 cm)
Copyright
© Barbara Walch
Credit Line
Gift of Ferrin Gallery in honor of our Twentieth Anniversary
Mediums Description
hand built glazed stoneware
Classifications
Object Number
2001.41.3

Artwork Description

Barbara Walch built this tea set without the use of a wheel. Instead, she pinched the sides of the clay to create the ridges that appear on each piece. She has left the exterior of each pot unglazed, while the interiors are finished with an off-white and brown glaze that complements the natural color of the clay. Walch unifies the set by using the same spiraling handle on the teacups, teapot and sugar spoon, and also relates the saucers to the larger tray by curling up the sides and leaving the bottoms flat. The teapot, which Walch has molded into a pumpkin-like shape, is one of the hardest forms for a potter to build. The artist must make sure that all elements of the pot---the handle, lid, and spout---fit together and that the finished pieces in the set can hold and pour tea.