Pillow Pitcher

Betty Woodman, Pillow Pitcher, 1983, glazed earthenware, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Jocelyn and Charles Woodman, 1992.42
Betty Woodman, Pillow Pitcher, 1983, glazed earthenware, 191623 in. (48.340.758.4 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Jocelyn and Charles Woodman, 1992.42

Artwork Details

Title
Pillow Pitcher
Date
1983
Dimensions
191623 in. (48.340.758.4 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Jocelyn and Charles Woodman
Mediums
Mediums Description
glazed earthenware
Classifications
Object Number
1992.42

Artwork Description

The Pillow Pitcher, inspired by traditional Etruscan vessels and Chinese porcelain pillows, is a shape that Woodman has worked with numerous times. To make the pitcher look like an overstuffed pillow bursting at the seams, the artist made two cylinders, which she attached in the middle and pinched closed at the ends. Her vibrant colors and painterly technique create a liveliness and energy in this piece. Woodman individualizes each of her unusual pots by designing different spouts and handles. In this pillow pitcher, for example, the spout is simultaneously short and elongated, complementing the horizontal form.

Works by this artist (7 items)

Betty Woodman, Pillow Pitcher, 1983, glazed earthenware, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Jocelyn and Charles Woodman, 1992.42
Pillow Pitcher
Date1983
glazed earthenware
On view
Betty Woodman, Kimono Vases: Evening, 1990, glazed earthenware, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the James Renwick Alliance and museum purchase made possible by the Smithsonian Institution Collections Acquisition Program, 1992.118A-B
Kimono Vases: Evening
Date1990
glazed earthenware
Not on view
Betty Woodman, Italian Vase, 1982, glazed earthenware, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Dorothy and George Saxe, 1995.78.2
Italian Vase
Date1982
glazed earthenware
Not on view
Betty Woodman, Cretan, 1986, glazed earthenware, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1995.59A-D
Cretan
Date1986
glazed earthenware
Not on view

More Artworks from the Collection

Leif Wicklund, Sexwick Pottery, Teacup (one of five), ca. 1975, mineral colored clays with fritted lead glaze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1975.132.2
Teacup (one of five)
Dateca. 1975
mineral colored clays with fritted lead glaze
On view
Leif Wicklund, Teacup (one of five), ca. 1975, mineral colored clays with fritted lead glaze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1975.132.5
Teacup (one of five)
Dateca. 1975
mineral colored clays with fritted lead glaze
On view
Leif Wicklund, Teacup (one of five), ca. 1975, mineral colored clays with fritted lead glaze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1975.132.4
Teacup (one of five)
Dateca. 1975
mineral colored clays with fritted lead glaze
On view
Leif Wicklund, Sexwick Pottery, Teacup (one of five), ca. 1975, mineral colored clays with fritted lead glaze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1975.132.3
Teacup (one of five)
Dateca. 1975
mineral colored clays with fritted lead glaze
On view