Art Info

"O" (Pickle Jar),
Jeffry Mitchell 2005

Material: Glazed earthenware with platinum 
Dimensions: 16 x 13 x 13 inches, 40.5 x 33 x 33 cm

Seattle-based ceramicist Jeffry Mitchell's work explores the intersection of fine art, decoration and craft - in this case, conflating sculpture and ceramics in a wilfully baroque interpretation of a Dutch earthenware pickle-jar, crowned with a pair of elephants, trunks aloft and plated in precious platinum

Discussing the symbolism of the elephant in his work, Mitchell says 'I'm charmed by an elephant's universal appeal - a perennial delight to young and old all around the world. I have no experience with real elephants but know them through children's book illustrations and religious sculptures. My elephant is a combination of Ganesha and Babar, and often used in pairs, as in this case. It conjures up childlike innocence and playfulness , divine wisdom and, with its full belly, a jolly sensuality that appeals to me.'

£4,600 (Excludes VAT)