(Page 132 Figure 5-30)
Describe:
This is a fish that looks very unique and detailed. It was made using a coil bowl method and probably a pinch pot that was added onto it. It was made by layering colored slips and carving into the clay to show all the layers. It was embellished with a clear glaze. This is probably not utilitarian, but it could be used to store items because the top fin is like a top/cover.
Analyze:
The pattern of the scales and carvings into the clay make the colors pop and stand out. The shape of the fish is very basic, and without the detail from the patterns made, it would be hard to distinguish what is being attempted to make. The proportion is not symmetrical. From the side, you can see the fish clearly, but from the front view I assume that the fish wouldn’t look like a fish. The for of the fish is unique because the mouth, tail, and fins make up a part of the pot. The mouth is an extended pot that had been added to the main coil bowl, and has an opening which makes it look more realistic. The tail is probably added to the back of the bowl. The fin at the top of the fish is a lid that can be taken off of the fish. The fin shows detail, but allows for storage within the fin if it is taken off. The color of the fish is very common and calm. The thing that stands out the most on the fish is the lines and carvings of the colored slip because those colors and very vibrant and make the details pop.
Interpret:
The meaning behind the artwork is probably to show that a creature can be displayed as something that has potential use in the house. The fish could be used to store miscellaneous items, and you typically wouldn’t find a handmade work of pottery used like this in the house. This may be used in a beach house, or somewhere where people like the beach/underwater creatures. If this piece was added with more of an underwater theme, it would be very nice.
Evaluation:
This artwork is successful. There is a lot of detail that was put into this piece, and a lot of thought/planning that was put into the design. The form portrayed that the artwork was successful. The mouth, tail, and fins showed all of the details in the fish. I feel like the artist had a connection with underwater creatures of fish because of all the detail. I have made pinch pots and coil pots, so I feel like I am capable of making something like this. I feel like the most difficult part of it would be the proportions of the mouth and fins.