Conical Bowl, 1971

This one of four pieces by Rie on display at Kettle’s Yard, all produced between 1950 and 1974 and acquired by Jim Ede in the early 1970s. At Kettle’s Yard the bowl is known as ‘The Wave’ (possibly a title given by Jim Ede) which derives from the undulating shape of the rim, a feature that became one of Rie’s trademarks, which she achieved by squeezing the bowl into an oval after throwing. The white surface of the bowl is animated by dark flecks: though a master in the use of coloured glazes, Rie once confessed that she favoured her white pieces.

Conical Bowl is part of a group of objects carefully arranged by Jim Ede with a subtle balance of light and dark. The display strongly resembles a still life and has a distinct altar-like appearance. The objects on the slate table establish an arresting dialogue with the black and white collages by Italo Valenti – fittingly known as a ‘triptych’ – hanging behind them. The juxtaposition of the bowl with the Cypriot jug on the floor, dating from c. 700 BC, adds a fascinating interplay between ancient and modern to Ede’s composition.

Provenance: gift of Mrs Barbara Gomperts to H.S. Ede/Kettle’s Yard, 1971