Washday Miracle

Copied Susan Thayer, Washday Miracle, 1997, glazed porcelain, 11 3⁄8 x 11 1⁄4 x 4 1⁄4 in. (28.9 x 28.6 x 10.8 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of an anonymous donor in honor of the artist’s mother, Kay Wade, 1998.124A-B

Artwork Details

Title
Washday Miracle
Artist
Date
1997
Location
Dimensions
11 3⁄8 x 11 1⁄4 x 4 1⁄4 in. (28.9 x 28.6 x 10.8 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of an anonymous donor in honor of the artist’s mother, Kay Wade
Mediums
Mediums Description
glazed porcelain
Classifications
Keywords
  • Occupation — domestic — laundry
  • Figure female — full length
  • Animal — insect — butterfly
  • Animal — lion
  • Animal — tiger
  • Animal — elephant
  • Landscape — plant — grape
Object Number
1998.124A-B
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1998.124A-B

Artwork Description

The intricately molded Washday Miracle teapot evokes the idea of a fantasy world emerging from an everyday object. It is important to look closely at the teapot in order not to miss any details, such as the tiger lurking around the foot of the pot and the small caterpillars that crawl out of the grapes. She suggests that the landscape exists beyond the boundaries of the porcelain pot by perching butterflies on the handle, spout, and atop the lid.