Clock case and vase
Medium
Earthenware
Dimensions
14 13/16 in. (37.6 cm)
Classification
Clock case and vase
Culture
American
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Robert A. Ellison Jr., 2018
Accession Number
2018.294.172
Art Historical Context
In the American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum Art, the *Clock case and vase*1898) stands as a charming example of late 19th American ingenuity. Crafted in earthenware by George E Ohr and John Harry Portman, this 14 13/16-inch (37.6 cm) hybrid object merges functionality with decorative appeal—a clock case adorned or integrated with a vase form. Earthenware, a low ceramic prized for its earthy tones and accessibility, was a staple in American pottery studios, allowing artists to experiment with everyday luxury. This collaboration reflects the vibrant decorative arts scene of the Gilded Age, ...