Platter

James Prestini, Platter, 1933-1953, cherry, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1970.46.15
James Prestini, Platter, 1933-1953, cherry, 788 in. (1.620.3 cm.) diam., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1970.46.15

Artwork Details

Title
Platter
Date
1933-1953
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
788 in. (1.620.3 cm.) diam.
Credit Line
Gift of the artist
Mediums
Mediums Description
cherry
Classifications
Object Number
1970.46.15

Artwork Description

James Prestini perfected the revolutionary technique of crafting vessels with porcelain-thin walls. His work became famous in the 1940s, and people were amazed by his innovative use of such a familiar material. Prestini's skilled use of the lathe shows in his perfectly symmetrical bowls and platters, and their simple forms, soft curves, and clear finishes emphasize the beauty of each type of wood.

Works by this artist (23 items)

James Prestini, Platter, 1933-1953, ebonized ash, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1970.46.19
Platter
Date1933-1953
ebonized ash
Not on view
James Prestini, Bowl, 1933-1953, birch, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1970.46.5
Bowl
Date1933-1953
birch
Not on view
James Prestini, Platter, 1933-1953, Honduras mahogany, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1970.46.17
Platter
Date1933-1953
Honduras mahogany
Not on view
James Prestini, Saucer, 1933-1953, chestnut, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of George Peter Lamb and Lucy Scardino in memory of Natalie Rust Lamb, 1995.100.27
Saucer
Date1933-1953
chestnut
Not on view

More Artworks from the Collection

Stephen Perrin, Folding Wall Chairs, 1992, joined maple, cherry, bird's-eye maple, tiger maple, walnut, and aniline dyes, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of MCI, 2001.89.4.3
Folding Wall Chairs
Date1992
joined maple, cherry, bird's-eye maple, tiger maple, walnut, and aniline dyes
Not on view
Stephen Perrin, Folding Wall Chairs, 1992, joined maple, cherry, bird's-eye maple, tiger maple, walnut, and aniline dyes, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of MCI, 2001.89.4.4
Folding Wall Chairs
Date1992
joined maple, cherry, bird's-eye maple, tiger maple, walnut, and aniline dyes
Not on view
Lincoln Seitzman, Petrified Sewing Basket, 1995, cherry, wenge, and imbuia, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Fleur and Charles Bresler in honor of Kenneth R. Trapp, curator-in-charge of the Renwick Gallery (1995--2003), 2003.60.54A-B
Petrified Sewing Basket
Date1995
cherry, wenge, and imbuia
Not on view
Oliver Hilliard Booth III, Bowl, 1996, cherry, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Fleur and Charles Bresler in honor of Kenneth R. Trapp, curator-in-charge of the Renwick Gallery (1995--2003), 2003.60.3
Bowl
Date1996
cherry
Not on view