Object Details
Artist
Beatrice Wood, born San Francisco, CA 1893-died Ojai, CA 1998
Luce Center Label
Beatrice Wood was best known for elaborate forms and shiny, iridescent glazes, known as lusters. She also created utilitarian pieces like this creamer. Wood exaggerated the creamer’s spout and handle, lending a hint of whimsy to the functional piece. The bright yellow glaze is most likely unique to this particular luncheon service. She often compared creating glazes to cooking—she took a basic formula and made slight adjustments each time, resulting in unique glazes that could not be replicated. Wood had a great sense of humor and joked later in life that she was the only person who could afford to eat off of her plates ("Luster for Life" [Beatrice Wood at Ninety-Seven], House & Garden 162, no. 6 [June 1990]).
Credit Line
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Howard Kottler Endowment for Ceramic Art
Date
1951
Object number
2008.5.14
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Decorative Arts-Ceramic
Crafts
Medium
earthenware and glaze
Dimensions
3 3/4 x 5 1/4 x 3 3/4 in. (9.5 x 13.4 x 9.4 cm)
See more items in
Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection
Department
Renwick Gallery
On View
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 4th Floor, 53B
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 4th Floor
Data Source
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
saam_2008.5.14