Carob Jar #192

Barry T. MacDonald, Carob Jar #192, ca. 1993, carob, ebony, and bloodwood, 12 x 7 ⁷⁄₈ in. diam. (30.6 x 20.1 cm), 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), 2003.60.37A-B

Artwork Details

Title: Carob Jar #192
Artist: Barry T. MacDonald
Date: ca. 1993
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 12 x 7 ⁷⁄₈ in. diam. (30.6 x 20.1 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Fleur and Charles Bresler in honor of Kenneth R. Trapp, curator-in-charge of the Renwick Gallery (1995−−2003)
Mediums: ebony
bloodwood
Mediums Description: carob, ebony, and bloodwood
Classifications: Decorative Arts
Object Number: 2003.60.37A-B
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/2003.60.37A-B

Artwork Description

The simple, rounded silhouettes of Barry MacDonald's vessels evoke ancient ceramic urns that might have been used to cool and store liquids. In Carob Jar #192, he added small sections of dark ebony and rich bloodwood to highlight the black and red swirls in the carob grain. Although it rests gracefully on a tiny base, the jar's imposing form and perfect symmetry suggest it would not topple easily.