Jar in the Persian Style, white bird
With its swollen body and peaked lid, this work is an excellent example of Simon’s "Persian jar" form (so called for the similarities to lidded jars from prehistoric Persia), and one that he created by stretching the corners and paddling the sides of a wheel thrown vessel, adding "foundations" or feet and a "roof-like" lid. The applied decoration of five distinct but similar birds—one on each panel and the lid—was created using a wax resist technique, belying the simplicity of the designs. The birds are delineated with brushes of white slip and iron oxide accents under a salt glaze. Simon’s work—functional, salt-glazed stoneware forms often embellished with expressive, organic designs—reflect the ethos of the Japanese mingei tradition, a philosophy espousing that beauty can be found in everyday, utilitarian objects.
Artwork Details
- Title: Jar in the Persian Style, white bird
- Artist: Michael Simon (American, Springfield, Minnesota 1947–2021 Athens, Georgia)
- Date: 2002
- Culture: American
- Medium: Stoneware with salt glaze
- Dimensions: Height (with lid): 13 5/8 in. (34.6 cm)
Height (without lid): 11 1/4 in. (28.6 cm)
Width: 9 1/8 in. (23.2 cm) - Credit Line: Gift of Susan R. Simon, in memory of Michael J. Simon, 2023
- Object Number: 2023.404a, b
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing
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