Circular Lidded Jar with Flat-Top Lid

David Nelson, Circular Lidded Jar with Flat-Top Lid, 1981, glazed stoneware, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Donna and John Donaldson in memory of Jean and John Michael on the occasion of the Fifteenth Anniversary of the James Renwick Alliance and the Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the Renwick Gallery, 1997.109.16A-B
Copied David Nelson, Circular Lidded Jar with Flat-Top Lid, 1981, glazed stoneware, overall: 8 1⁄8 x 11 3⁄4 in. (20.6 x 29.8 cm) diam., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Donna and John Donaldson in memory of Jean and John Michael on the occasion of the Fifteenth Anniversary of the James Renwick Alliance and the Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the Renwick Gallery, 1997.109.16A-B

Artwork Details

Title
Circular Lidded Jar with Flat-Top Lid
Artist
Date
1981
Location
Dimensions
overall: 8 1⁄8 x 11 3⁄4 in. (20.6 x 29.8 cm) diam.
Credit Line
Gift of Donna and John Donaldson in memory of Jean and John Michael on the occasion of the Fifteenth Anniversary of the James Renwick Alliance and the Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the Renwick Gallery
Mediums
Mediums Description
glazed stoneware
Classifications
Object Number
1997.109.16A-B
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1997.109.16A-B

Artwork Description

John Nelson decorated the surface of this jar with stripes and cell-like forms. The sharp edges of the shapes suggest that he coated the clay with white glaze, fixed paper templates to the surface, then applied layers of color over the top. In the kiln, the paper burned away to reveal these dramatic markings. The eight flat sides evoke frames of an animation, and it is easy to imagine that if we spun the vessel on its base, the flowing shapes would jump and dance around the surface.