Storage Jar

Stephen Merritt, Storage Jar, 1999, terra cotta, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Shelby M. Gans in honor of Kenneth R. Trapp, on the 5th anniversary of his appointment as curator-in-charge of the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, 2000.67A-B
Copied Stephen Merritt, Storage Jar, 1999, terra cotta, 15 1216 12 in. (39.542.0 cm) diam., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Shelby M. Gans in honor of Kenneth R. Trapp, on the 5th anniversary of his appointment as curator-in-charge of the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, 2000.67A-B

Artwork Details

Title
Storage Jar
Date
1999
Dimensions
15 1216 12 in. (39.542.0 cm) diam.
Credit Line
Gift of Shelby M. Gans in honor of Kenneth R. Trapp, on the 5th anniversary of his appointment as curator-in-charge of the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum
Mediums
Mediums Description
terra cotta
Classifications
Object Number
2000.67A-B

Artwork Description

Stephen Merritt’s terra-cotta jars commonly present wide bodies that rest on a narrow foot. To create the surface texture the artist pressed an incising tool into the body of the pot while it spun on the wheel, creating a single, unbroken spiral that covers the pot. His pots are not only functional but become sculptural in their elegant forms and delicate surface decoration.