Pottery Flower Pot

Art Historical Context

In the Index of American Design, artist Annie B. Johnston brings to life a humble pottery flower pot in her circa 1937 rendering, *Pottery Flower Pot*. with watercolor, colored pencil, graphite, and pen and ink onboard (measuring 27.8 x 22.7 cm), this detailed study captures the vessel's earthy form—originally 8 inches high and7½ inches in diameter—with a warm, tactile presence. Johnston's meticulous technique highlights the pot's subtle curves, glossy glazes, and functional beauty, turning an everyday object into a celebration of American craftsmanship. This artwork is part of the Federal Art Project's Index of American Design (1935–1942), a Works Progress Administration (WPA) initiative during the Great Depression. Artists across the U.S. documented folk, craft, and decorative arts through over 15,000 precise renderings, preserving cultural heritage at risk of being lost. Johnston's contribution underscores the significance of vernacular pottery in American homes, reflecting regional traditions and the ingenuity of potters who shaped daily life. Today, housed in the National Gallery of Art, this piece invites us to appreciate the artistry in the ordinary—how simple ceramics embodied community, utility, and quiet elegance in pre-war America. A testament to both preservation and creativity, it reminds visitors of our shared design legacy.

About the Artist

Annie B. Johnston · 1867–1944

Annie B. Johnston was an American artist active in the late 1930s, recognized for her contributions to the Index of American Design, the New Deal-era federal program that commissioned artists to create meticulous watercolor renderings of American folk and decorative arts objects. Working in watercolor, colored pencil, graphite, and pen and ink on paper, Johnston brought technical precision and sen...