Creamer from the Yellow Luncheon Service for Six

Beatrice Wood, Creamer from the Yellow Luncheon Service for Six, 1951, earthenware and glaze, 3 ³⁄₄ x 5 ¹⁄₄ x 3 ³⁄₄ in. (9.5 x 13.4 x 9.4 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Howard Kottler Endowment for Ceramic Art, 2008.5.14

Artwork Details

Title: Creamer from the Yellow Luncheon Service for Six
Artist: Beatrice Wood
Date: 1951
Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum
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Luce Foundation Center
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4th Floor
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53B
Dimensions: 3 ³⁄₄ x 5 ¹⁄₄ x 3 ³⁄₄ in. (9.5 x 13.4 x 9.4 cm)
Credit Line: Museum purchase through the Howard Kottler Endowment for Ceramic Art
Mediums: earthenware
Mediums Description: earthenware and glaze
Classifications: Decorative Arts
Object Number: 2008.5.14
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/2008.5.14

Artwork Description

Beatrice Wood was best known for elaborate forms and shiny, iridescent glazes, known as lusters. She also created utilitarian pieces like this creamer. Wood exaggerated the creamer’s spout and handle, lending a hint of whimsy to the functional piece. The bright yellow glaze is most likely unique to this particular luncheon service. She often compared creating glazes to cooking—she took a basic formula and made slight adjustments each time, resulting in unique glazes that could not be replicated. Wood had a great sense of humor and joked later in life that she was the only person who could afford to eat off of her plates ("Luster for Life" [Beatrice Wood at Ninety-Seven], House & Garden 162, no. 6 [June 1990]).