Preview
Send
Share
Details
Guide
Download
Similars
X-Ray
Diaporama
StatsStorage Jar
Contemporary Realism
1859
67.0 x 59.0 cm
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Read More
The artwork displayed on this page is protected by copyright law, which means we cannot legally create or sell an identical reproduction. This protection is enforced under international agreements such as the Berne Convention and by national laws, including those outlined by the U.S. Copyright Law - Title 17.
As a respectful and legal alternative, we offer custom, hand-painted artworks inspired by the original. Our skilled and professional artists carefully study the original's style, mood, and artistic essence to create a new, unique piece that evokes the same feeling - while remaining an original creation in its own right.
This method fully complies with copyright regulations because it does not involve copying or duplicating the protected artwork. Instead, it is a creative reinterpretation - a new painting that is influenced by the original but not identical to it.
Hand Made Oil Reproduction
Hand-painted oil on canvas in your size and frame, made to order by our artists. (
Switch to Print Switch to Digital Image)
P118B $10
P118H $10
P118W $10
P438Z $10
P508JH $12
P508YH $12
P805H $10
P805Z $10
P919BZ $10
P919G $10
P919XJ $10
P959ZH $10
P968JZ $12
W106C $8
W218G $10
W218JH $8
W218Y $10
W307PJ $10
W316G $10
W316PJ $8
W316Y $10
W398PJ $8
W4111J $10
W500HY $15
W500JH $15
W692G $12
W849H $8
W940BG $15
W953PJ $8
Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.
Type the width and the height you need, to fit your frame or your wall. This is hand-painted, so for a size with a different shape the artist can paint a bit more around the picture, or cut a bit — you choose. We send you a digital mockup to approve before the painting starts. The picture shown on this page does not show the real result — only the mockup does.
After order, ArtsDot.com team will email client for instructions and provide a mockup preview
Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (22 October). No compromise on quality.
Free Worldwide Express Shipping
High-Quality Linen Canvas
Full Shipping Insurance
Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
True Color Matching Guarantee
100-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
100% Money-Back Guarantee
Bulk Discount Offer
Glass option is only available in size under 110 CM
Storage Jar
Reproduction Medium
Reproduction Size
-
Total Price
$ 263
Dave the Potter: A Testament to Resilience and Artistic Genius
The stoneware jar presented here transcends mere utilitarian function; it embodies a profound narrative of survival, creativity, and cultural heritage—a story inextricably linked to the life and legacy of Dave the Potter.
- Subject Matter: The vessel itself is remarkably simple in design – a cylindrical form executed with meticulous care. However, its understated elegance belies the rich symbolism embedded within its creation.
- Style: Dave’s distinctive artistic style is characterized by an almost meditative approach to pottery making. He eschewed elaborate ornamentation, prioritizing functionality and conveying emotion through subtle textural variations achieved during glazing.
- Technique: Crafted in Pottersville, South Carolina—a region steeped in African American tradition—the jar exemplifies the alkaline-glazed stoneware technique prevalent during the mid-19th century. This method involves firing clay at high temperatures to create a durable surface that resists staining and imparts a distinctive brownish hue.
- Historical Context: Produced during the era of slavery in America, this piece stands as a poignant reminder of the constraints faced by African Americans striving for self-expression amidst oppressive societal norms. The act of inscribing poetry onto the clay—a defiant gesture against legal prohibitions—represents an assertion of intellectual freedom and cultural identity.
- Symbolism: The jar’s form symbolizes stability, nourishment, and remembrance – qualities deeply valued within African American culture. Furthermore, Dave's signature and poetic inscriptions serve as emblems of perseverance and artistic integrity, celebrating the triumph of creativity over adversity.
The photograph captures a close-up view of the jar against a stark white backdrop, emphasizing its textural surface and highlighting the delicate cursive lettering that adorns its side—a testament to Dave’s unwavering commitment to preserving his craft and communicating his vision.
A Pioneer in African American Ceramics
Dave Drake's contribution to ceramic art is unparalleled. He stands as one of the first enslaved African Americans recognized for mastering a complex artistic skill, defying legal restrictions that sought to stifle Black literacy and creativity. His dedication to honing his craft—producing an estimated 40,000 pieces during his lifetime—solidifies his place in American art history.
The Alchemy of Clay: Technique and Craftsmanship
The alkaline glaze technique employed by Dave is more than just a method of surface treatment; it’s a deliberate choice that reflects the potter's understanding of material properties. Combining wood ash, sand, and water—ingredients readily available in Pottersville—Dave achieved a distinctive brown coloration through careful experimentation and observation.
Beyond Function: Poetry as Resistance
The inscription of poetry onto Dave’s vessels represents a powerful act of defiance against legal prohibitions prohibiting Black literacy. Each poem serves as a conduit for emotion, intellect, and cultural heritage—a declaration of independence from societal constraints and an affirmation of artistic expression.
A Legacy Enduring Through Time
Today, reproductions of Dave the Potter’s stoneware jar continue to inspire collectors and interior designers alike. Its understated beauty speaks volumes about resilience, creativity, and the enduring spirit of African American artistry—a legacy that transcends time and celebrates the transformative power of art.
Questions & Answers
How does "Storage Jar" fit into Dave The Potter's themes and style?
"Storage Jar" belongs to Dave The Potter's Contemporary Realism work, whose recorded themes include southern folk art, african heritage, poetic expression, craftsmanship legacy, slave resistance.
Is "Storage Jar" free of copyright?
Regarding copyright, "Storage Jar" is still protected by copyright.
Which color stands out most in "Storage Jar"?
The dominant color of "Storage Jar" by Dave The Potter is rosy brown (#bcb6a7).
Related Artworks
Artist Biography
Dave the Potter: Life and Legacy
Early Life and Enslavement
Born around 1800 in South Carolina, David Drake, more famously known as Dave the Potter, lived a life deeply marked by the institution of slavery. He was first enslaved by Harvey Drake, who co-owned a large pottery business with Abner Landrum in Edgefield County, South Carolina. It is believed that Landrum, unusually for the time, taught Dave to read and write – a skill forbidden to enslaved people under South Carolina law.
Pottery and Artistic Development
Dave’s career as a potter began within Drake and Landrum's workshop. He quickly demonstrated exceptional skill in crafting large alkaline-glazed stoneware vessels, primarily jugs. His earliest recorded work dates back to July 12, 1834, marking the beginning of his unique artistic practice. Between the 1820s and 1870s, Dave produced an estimated 40,000 pieces during his lifetime.
Unique Artistic Style
What sets Dave the Potter apart is not merely his skill as a potter but his groundbreaking practice of inscribing his work. He signed many vessels with “Dave” and, remarkably, included original poetry – often rhyming couplets – alongside dates and maker’s marks. This was an unprecedented act for an enslaved African American artist.
- His jars are typically bulbous in form, characteristic of Edgefield County stoneware.
- The alkaline glaze gives his pottery a distinctive appearance.
- His poetry often reflects on his experiences and observations with wit and insight.
Influences and Historical Context
While direct artistic influences are difficult to pinpoint, Dave’s work existed within the context of Edgefield County pottery traditions. However, his literacy and poetic voice were exceptional for an enslaved person. The very act of self-expression through inscription was a form of resistance and assertion of identity in a system designed to deny both.
Major Achievements and Recognition
Dave the Potter’s achievements lie not only in his prolific output but also in his defiance of societal norms. He became the first enslaved potter to sign his work and incorporate poetry, leaving behind a legacy that challenges conventional narratives about African American art and history.
- Over 20 jars and jugs bear his original poetry.
- More than 50 vessels feature his signature, date, or maker’s mark.
- His work is now held in major museum collections, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Historical Significance
Dave the Potter's story represents a powerful testament to human creativity and resilience in the face of adversity. His pottery provides invaluable insights into the lives and experiences of enslaved African Americans during the 19th century. He is now celebrated as a significant figure in Southern folk art, American ceramics, and African American history.
His work continues to inspire artists and scholars today, prompting ongoing discussions about race, identity, and artistic expression.
Dave The Potter
1800 - , United States of America
Quick Facts
- Name: Dave the Potter (David Drake)
- Movement: Southern Folk Art, 19th Century Pottery
- Birth Date: c. 1800
- Death Date: c. 1870s
- Birth Place: South Carolina, United States
- Nationality: American
- Date Of Birth: 1800
- Notable Works: Inscribed stoneware jugs and jars with poetry
- Place Of Birth: South Carolina, United States of America
Related Articles
American Regionalism: A Crucible of Identity – Exploring Themes of Place, Labor & Social Commentary
Explore American Regionalism's powerful depiction of the American heartland during the Great Depression. Discover Grant Wood, Thomas Hart Benton & more. Expert analysis & high-quality art reproductions at ArtsDot.
Henry Ossawa Tanner: Pioneering African American Representation in 19th-Century Art
Explore the life and groundbreaking work of Henry Ossawa Tanner, a pioneering African American artist who achieved international acclaim with his deeply spiritual and realistic paintings. Discover his legacy at ArtsDot.
Grant Wood & American Regionalism: Identity, Myth & the Rural Landscape
Explore the world of Grant Wood & American Regionalism with ArtsDot. Discover the symbolism behind 'American Gothic', recurring themes, and the movement's lasting impact on art history. High-quality reproductions available.
Echoes of Place: Regionalism & American Identity in Interwar Art
Explore the rise of American Regionalism in interwar art! Discover Grant Wood, Thomas Hart Benton & the movement's impact on American identity. Expert analysis & historical context.
American Realism's Defining Works: 10 Masterpieces for Your Home
Explore 10 defining American Realism masterpieces – Hopper, Homer & more. Discover the stories behind these iconic paintings and bring timeless art to your home with ArtsDot's museum-quality reproductions. Explore the full collection online.
