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Edris Eckhardt Studio Glass Sculpture Mad Tea Party browse these categories for related items... Directory: Fine Art:Sculpture: Pre 1990: Item # 665211 Mark Bassett (aka 'potterybooks') Author of Understanding Roseville Pottery P.O. Box 771233, Lakewood, OH 44107 216-221-6025 Guest Book $1800.00 |
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This outstanding sculpture by internationally renowned Cleveland School artist Edris Eckhardt is 6.5" tall and signed "1981 #3 Edris Eckhardt." Eckhardt is one of the handful of artists whose work was celebrated in DIVERSIONS OF KERAMOS: AMERICAN CLAY SCULPTURE, 1920-1950, at the Everson Museum of Art (Syracuse), because of her innovative work in ceramic sculpture, both as head of the Cleveland WPA Ceramics project and later as an independent (and prize-winning) artist. After about 1950, she turned to studio glass, and again won a series of important awards for her work. The storybook figures emerged early in her career, while working for the WPA during 1935 and afterward. Those limited edition ceramic figures were originally intended to use during Story Hour at Cleveland and other grade schools and libraries. They were thus a form of "Art for Education," supplementing literacy programs by exciting children about the idea of learning to read. In the mid 1970s, Edris returned to those ideas of more than 30 years before, and cast a few examples in "cire perdue" (or "lost wax") glass, even though some refer to it as "pate de verre." These studio glass sculptures were made in extremely limited quantities, so are very rare today. The coloration varied with each example. This piece is "The Mad Tea Party," from the ALICE IN WONDERLAND & THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS series. Shown is the White Rabbit (left), seated beside the Mad Hatter (at right) with the Dormouse (still awake) sitting between them and a snail at the lower right. You can tell they've been holding this tea party for quite some time because of the cobwebs hanging down from the Mad Hatter's pocket watch (which runs backward, if I recall the story). Outstanding condition, with just one very small "sharp" spot on the bottom edge. Otherwise, no nicks, chips, hairlines or repairs. Great subject and coloration! There will be an article called "Getting to Know Edris Eckhardt," written by a friend and collector, in the July/August 2007 issue of JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ART POTTERY ASSOCIATION. To join, visit www.AmArtPot.org. For detailed photos, visit www.markbassett.com/Madhatter1.JPG www.markbassett.com/Madhatter2.JPG www.markbassett.com/Madhatter3.JPG www.markbassett.com/Madhatter4.JPG www.markbassett.com/Madhatter5.JPG www.markbassett.com/Madhatter6.JPG www.markbassett.com/Madhatter7.JPG |
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