Redwood Vessel

David Ellsworth, Redwood Vessel, 1989, redwood burl, 28 3⁄4 x 10 1⁄2 in. (73.0 x 26.7 cm) diam., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Jane and Arthur K. Mason, 1991.169.1

Artwork Details

Title
Redwood Vessel
Artist
Date
1989
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
28 3⁄4 x 10 1⁄2 in. (73.0 x 26.7 cm) diam.
Credit Line
Gift of Jane and Arthur K. Mason
Mediums
Mediums Description
redwood burl
Classifications
Object Number
1991.169.1
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1991.169.1

Artwork Description

The smooth, shiny surface and rounded form of this vessel evoke a giant seedpod, conjuring the immense scale of northwestern redwoods. The crack near the base appears to creep slowly upward, as if the pod might burst open at any moment to reveal new growth. David Ellsworth lets the grain of the wood influence his designs, and here the simple form and polished surface of the vase emphasize the dramatic bands of color in the burl.

Works by this artist (5 items)

View all artworks
David Ellsworth, Redwood Vessel, 1989, redwood burl, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Jane and Arthur K. Mason, 1991.169.1
Redwood Vessel
Artist
Date1989
redwood burl
Not on view
David Ellsworth, Mo's Delight, 1993, white oak, 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), 2003.60.11
Mo’s Delight
Artist
Date1993
white oak
Not on view
David Ellsworth, Patan, from the "Solstice Series", 1991, ash and metallic fabric paint, 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), 2003.60.10
Patan, from the ​“Solstice Series”
Artist
Date1991
ash and metallic fabric paint
Not on view
David Ellsworth, Black Pot, 1994, white ash, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Jane and Arthur K. Mason on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Renwick Gallery, 1996.98.2
Black Pot
Artist
Date1994
white ash
Not on view

More Artworks from the Collection

Browse All Artworks
Bruce Mitchell, Canyon Oasis #4, 1995, redwood root burl, 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), 2003.60.40
Canyon Oasis #4
Artist
Date1995
redwood root burl
Not on view
Robyn Horn, Seven Liner, 1991, redwood burl, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1996.73
Seven Liner
Artist
Date1991
redwood burl
Not on view
Dickson Carroll, McGhee's House, 1988, carved and painted poplar, fir plywood, and redwood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Beau, Linda, and Dan Kaplan in memory of Nora, 1998.19A-B
McGhee’s House
Artist
Date1988
carved and painted poplar, fir plywood, and redwood
Not on view
Robyn Horn, Slashed Millstone, 1996, ebonized redwood burl and ebony, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Margot R. Heckman, 2003.30A-B
Slashed Millstone
Artist
Date1996
ebonized redwood burl and ebony
Not on view