Vase

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

**Vase by Artus Van Briggle (1903)** Artus Van Briggle, an innovative American ceramicist (1869–1904), crafted this vase in 1903, near the end of his short but influential career. Working primarily in Colorado Springs, Van Briggle drew inspiration from ancient Chinese and Persian pottery, pioneering matte glazes and organic forms that echoed the Arts and Crafts movement's emphasis on handmade beauty and simplicity. His ceramics marked a shift toward artistic pottery in America, blending technical virtuosity with aesthetic elegance during a time when industrial production dominated. This piece, a fine example of early 20th-century studio ceramics, resides in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's ceramics collection. Generously gifted by Marcia and William Goodman, it highlights Van Briggle's legacy just before his death from tuberculosis. With ongoing research into its specifics, the vase invites visitors to appreciate the tactile allure of clay transformed by a master's hand—timeless in its quiet sophistication. (Word count: 168)