Black Textured Jar

John Jordan, Black Textured Jar, 1994, box elder, fossilized ivory, india ink, and lacquer, overall: 11 ⁷⁄₈ x 9 in. (30.3 x 22.9 cm) diam., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Smithsonian Women’s Committee in honor of Michael W. Monroe, Renwick Gallery Curator-in-Charge, 1986 – 1995, 1995.41A-B

Artwork Details

Title: Black Textured Jar
Artist: John Jordan
Date: 1994
Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum
/
Luce Foundation Center
/
4th Floor
/
54B
Dimensions: overall: 11 ⁷⁄₈ x 9 in. (30.3 x 22.9 cm) diam.
Credit Line: Gift of the Smithsonian Women’s Committee in honor of Michael W. Monroe, Renwick Gallery Curator-in-Charge, 1986 – 1995
Mediums: box elder
ivory
ink
Mediums Description: box elder, fossilized ivory, india ink, and lacquer
Classifications: Decorative Arts
Object Number: 1995.41A-B
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1995.41A-B

Artwork Description

John Jordan incorporated a small piece of fossilized white ivory into the lid of this jar to stand out against the dark surface. He applied rich, black ink to the wood to create a shiny texture that hides the material's natural characteristics and enhances the carved detail.