Alice Cling, Wedding Vase with Braided Handles, May, 1987, fired clay with red clay slip and piñon pitch, 8 1⁄2 x 6 1⁄2 x 6 1⁄2 in. (21.6 x 16.5 x 16.5 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak and museum purchase made possible by Mrs. Gibson Fahnestock, 1997.124.146
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Wedding Vase with Braided Handles
- Artist
- Date
- May, 1987
- Location
- Dimensions
- 8 1⁄2 x 6 1⁄2 x 6 1⁄2 in. (21.6 x 16.5 x 16.5 cm)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak and museum purchase made possible by Mrs. Gibson Fahnestock
- Mediums
- Mediums Description
- fired clay with red clay slip and piñon pitch
- Classifications
- Subjects
- Object — other — vase
- Object Number
- 1997.124.146
Artwork Description
Traditional Native American wedding vases have two spouts joined by a handle to symbolize two lives coming together as one. In this piece, created by Navajo potter Alice Cling, there is only one opening, and the braided handles represent the two sides of a relationship. During the wedding ceremony, the newlyweds drink blessed water from the vase.