Vase

Art Historical Context

Created in 1902 by Artus Van Briggle of the Van Briggle Pottery Company, this compact earthenware vase stands as a refined example of early twentieth-century American decorative arts. Measuring just 3 11/16 by 3 15/16 inches, its modest scale encourages intimate viewing and reflects the period’s emphasis on handcrafted objects suited for the home. Now part of the Metropolitan Museum’s American Wing, the piece speaks to a growing national interest in elevating everyday materials into works of quiet beauty. Earthenware, long valued for its versatility and warmth, allowed potters like Van Briggle to explore new expressions American ceramics. The vase’s presence in the museum collection highlights the cultural significance of studio pottery at the dawn of the modern era, when artists sought to blend tradition with fresh creativity. Generously gifted by Robert A. Ellison Jr. in 2018, it continues to invite visitors to appreciate the skillful artistry and historical resonance of this American tradition.

About the Artist

Van Briggle Pottery Company|Artus Van Briggle (American|American) · 1901 |1869 –9999 |1904

1901–present|American, Felicity, Ohio 1869–1904 Colorado Springs, Colorado