1996.7.a-b, Viktor Schreckengost, “Free Form” teapot with “Primitive” pattern decoration, Salem China Company, Sebring, Ohio, 1955

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Between 1925 and 1965, American potteries reached their peak in both production and importance in the marketplace. Serving this industry were many world-famous designers, among them Viktor Schreckengost. Developed to fit the casual lifestyle that had developed in post-World War II America, the Free Form line is characterized by non-traditional shapes - cups that stand on three legs and oval-teardrop-form salt and pepper shakers, among others. The teapot with its loop handle, tripod feet, and extended spout is the most avant-garde piece in this line. Several of the decorative patterns applied to these forms were also unusual. Primitive is loosely derived from the imagery of prehistoric cave painting, most famously seen at Lascaux. Interestingly, the manufacturer hoped this pattern would appeal to male consumers, rather than their female counterparts, who represented the vast majority of ceramics buyers.

Adapted from

Charles L. Venable, Ellen P. Denker, Katherine C. Grier, Stephen G. Harrison, China and Glass in America, 1880-1980: From Tabletop to TV Tray (New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 2000), cat. 198, 467.

NOTES

READ

updated provenance and geo x refs in TMS
This object is the same as 2002.41.2.A-B

Catalogue essays

Artist/designers

Viktor Schreckengost (1906-2008)

Cultures

Geography

Process/materials

Historical periods

Individuals

Subject terms

RELATED OBJECTS

PROVENANCE

From 1996: Dallas Museum of Art, purchased from The Westheimer Antique Centre, Houston, Texas [1]

[1] See object receipt in Collections Records Object File (1996.7.a-b)

AUDIO ASSETS

13309366: UMO. Listen to "Modernism in American Ceramics: The Machine Age," a Gallery Talk by McDermott Intern Kim McCarty given on November 19, 2008.

VIDEO ASSETS

IMAGE ASSETS

WEB RESOURCES

Khan Academy~See prehistoric cave paintings in Lascaux, the type of prehistoric art that inspired the "Primitive" pattern.

ARCHIVAL RESOURCES

FUN FACTS

TEACHING IDEAS

RULES

Apply to objects where number equals 1996.7.a-b

General Description

Between 1925 and 1965, American potteries reached their peak in both production and importance in the marketplace. Serving this industry were many world-famous designers, among them Viktor Schreckengost. Developed to fit the casual lifestyle that had developed in post-World War II America, the Free Form line is characterized by non-traditional shapes - cups that stand on three legs and oval-teardrop-form salt and pepper shakers, among others. The teapot with its loop handle, tripod feet, and extended spout is the most avant-garde piece in this line. Several of the decorative patterns applied to these forms were also unusual. Primitive is loosely derived from the imagery of prehistoric cave painting, most famously seen at Lascaux. Interestingly, the manufacturer hoped this pattern would appeal to male consumers, rather than their female counterparts, who represented the vast majority of ceramics buyers.