Inkwell

Designer Eva Zeisel American

Manufacturer Schramberg Majolica Factory German

1929–30

Not on view

In 1928 Zeisel began working as a ceramic designer at the Schramberg Majolica Factory in Schramberg, Germany. She had previously worked in Hamburg, where the International Style architecture of many new buildings had a strong influence on her work. While in Hamburg, she became aware of the design principles of the Deutsche Werkbund and the Bauhaus, which emphasized stylistic purity and insisted that form be derived from function. The inkwell consists of two separate units: a combined inkpot and pen tray and a pencil tray. The vibrant orange glaze highlights the strong horizontal lines and undecorated surfaces and by using such saturated color Zeisel transcended the cool "soulless" quality of modernist design principles.

Artwork Details

Title: Inkwell
Designer: Eva Zeisel (American (born Hungary), Budapest 1906–2011 New York City, New York)
Manufacturer: Schramberg Majolica Factory (Schramberg, Germany)
Date: 1929–30
Medium: Glazed earthenware
Dimensions: 1995.440a-c: 3 3/8 × 9 × 4 3/8 in., 1.4 lb. (8.6 × 22.9 × 11.1 cm, 0.6 kg)
Classification: Ceramics-Pottery
Credit Line: Gift of the artist, 1995
Object Number: 1995.440a-c
Rights and Reproduction: © Estate of Eva Zeisel
Curatorial Department: Modern and Contemporary Art

More Artwork

By Eva Zeisel

In the same medium

From the same time and place

"Museum" Luncheon Plate, Eva Zeisel American, Porcelain — "Museum" Luncheon Plate
Designer Eva Zeisel
Manufacturer Castleton China
1946

Armor, Steel, leather, German, possibly Lower Saxony — Armor
German, possibly Lower Saxony
ca. 1540–50 and later

Inkwell in the form of an owl, Faience (tn-glazed earthenware), French, Rouen — Inkwell in the form of an owl
French, Rouen
early 18th century

"Museum" Dessert Plate, Eva Zeisel American, Porcelain — "Museum" Dessert Plate
Designer Eva Zeisel
Manufacturer Castleton China
1946

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