Teapot

Fred Fenster, Teapot, 1994, constructed pewter, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Ruth Neubauer, 1996.32.1A-B
Copied Fred Fenster, Teapot, 1994, constructed pewter, part A (teapot): 11 1⁄2 x 8 1⁄2 x 4 1⁄2 in. (29.3 x 21.7 x 11.5 cm) part B (lid): 2 x 2 x 2 in. (5.2 x 5.2 x 5.2 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Ruth Neubauer, 1996.32.1A-B

Artwork Details

Title
Teapot
Artist
Date
1994
Location
Dimensions
part A (teapot): 11 1⁄2 x 8 1⁄2 x 4 1⁄2 in. (29.3 x 21.7 x 11.5 cm) part B (lid): 2 x 2 x 2 in. (5.2 x 5.2 x 5.2 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Ruth Neubauer
Mediums
Mediums Description
constructed pewter
Classifications
Object Number
1996.32.1A-B
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1996.32.1A-B

Artwork Description

Fred Fenster’s serving pieces express his respect for family rituals. The unusual design of this teapot emphasizes the individually shaped pieces and the welds that hold them together, celebrating each step in Fenster’s creative process. Although the body of the piece looks like a modern abstraction, the handle is forthright, almost industrial in appearance. By combining these effects, Fenster reminds us that a craft object should be both functional and beautiful.