Untitled Vessel

Ralph Bacerra, Untitled Vessel, 2000, earthenware with overglazed enamels and metallic lusters, 34 ³⁄₄ x 16 ¹⁄₂ in. (88.3 x 41.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of The Greenberg Foundation, Daniel Greenberg and Susan Steinhauser, and Carol and Charles Rademaker and their children Garth and Louise, 2002.4A-B

Artwork Details

Title: Untitled Vessel
Artist: Ralph Bacerra
Date: 2000
Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum
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Luce Foundation Center
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4th Floor
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54A
Dimensions: 34 ³⁄₄ x 16 ¹⁄₂ in. (88.3 x 41.9 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of The Greenberg Foundation, Daniel Greenberg and Susan Steinhauser, and Carol and Charles Rademaker and their children Garth and Louise
Mediums Description: earthenware with overglazed enamels and metallic lusters
Classifications: Decorative Arts
Object Number: 2002.4A-B
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/2002.4A-B

Artwork Description

Ralph Bacerra uses spiraling lines, squares, dots, and incisions to lead the eye around the entire piece. He makes no preliminary sketches before starting a new vessel, relying on each element of his work to inspire him as he goes along. As he says, “I put a color down and that leads to another color and shapes begin to emerge . . .” (quoted in American Style, Summer 2001). The bold colors for which Bacerra is known stem from the varying temperatures in the kiln.