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Salt Shaker

Decorative Arts and Design

Visually, this whimsical salt and pepper set bridges the gap between a sculpture by Hans Arp and Al Capp’s curious cartoon “shmoo” characters, reflecting the delight with soft, curving forms in art from high to low. Just as important from a design point of view, however, is the relationship of these objects to the hand that holds them, and their function as shakers. The lower body of the shaker fits snugly in the palm of the hand, the forefinger wraps around the neck, and seasonings are cast effortlessly from the head.
MEDIUM Glazed earthenware
DATES ca. 1945 (design); ca. 1946 (produced)
DIMENSIONS 3 x 1 1/2 in. (7.6 x 3.8 cm)  (show scale)
MARKINGS no marks
SIGNATURE no signature
INSCRIPTIONS no inscriptions
ACCESSION NUMBER 85.75.9
CREDIT LINE Gift of the artist
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Salt shaker, glazed earthenware, part of "Town and Country" dinner service, 85.75.5-.25. Animal-like, bimorphic form suggesting body with tilted head; pouring read as face. Orange glaze. CONDITION: Normal wear.
MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
CAPTION Red Wing Pottery (active 1936-1967). Salt Shaker, ca. 1945 (design); ca. 1946 (produced). Glazed earthenware, 3 x 1 1/2 in. (7.6 x 3.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the artist, 85.75.9. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 85.75.9_bw.jpg)
IMAGE overall, 85.75.9_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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Red Wing Pottery (active 1936-1967). <em>Salt Shaker</em>, ca. 1945 (design); ca. 1946 (produced). Glazed earthenware, 3 x 1 1/2 in.  (7.6 x 3.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the artist, 85.75.9. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 85.75.9_bw.jpg)