Platter

James Prestini, Platter, 1933-1953, cherry, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1970.46.15
James Prestini, Platter, 1933-1953, cherry, 7⁄8 x 8 in. (1.6 x 20.3 cm.) diam., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1970.46.15

Artwork Details

Title
Platter
Artist
Date
1933-1953
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
7⁄8 x 8 in. (1.6 x 20.3 cm.) diam.
Credit Line
Gift of the artist
Mediums
Mediums Description
cherry
Classifications
Object Number
1970.46.15
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/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)

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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
Artist
Date1933-1953
chestnut
Not on view
James Prestini, Bowl, 1933-1953, birch, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of George Peter Lamb and Lucy Scardino in memory of Natalie Rust Lamb, 1995.100.26
Bowl
Artist
Date1933-1953
birch
Not on view
James Prestini, Platter, 1933-1953, ebonized ash, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1970.46.19
Platter
Artist
Date1933-1953
ebonized ash
Not on view
James Prestini, Platter, 1933-1953, bird's-eye maple, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1970.46.14
Platter
Artist
Date1933-1953
bird's-eye maple
Not on view

More Artworks from the Collection

Browse All Artworks
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
Artist
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
Artist
Date1996
cherry
Not on view
Mark Sfirri, Rejects from the Bat Factory, 1996, mahogany, curly maple, cherry, zebrawood, cocobolo, and lacewood, 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), 2003.60.56A-F, © 1996, Mark Sfirri
Rejects from the Bat Factory
Artist
Date1996
mahogany, curly maple, cherry, zebrawood, cocobolo, and lacewood
Not on view
Jack R. Slentz, A Group of Individuals, 1998-1999, ash and cherry, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John and Robyn Horn, 1999.60A-E
A Group of Individuals
Artist
Date1998-1999
ash and cherry
Not on view