Contemporary Realism
1859
67.0 x 59.0 cm
Philadelphia Museum of ArtThe 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.
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Storage Jar
Reproduction Size
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
The color harmony of "Storage Jar" is recorded as unified palette.
Given its 1859 date, "Storage Jar" falls in Dave The Potter's Mature Period.
Hand-painted copies of "Storage Jar" by Dave The Potter are sold on this website: a hand-painted oil reproduction on linen canvas, ordered from its Hand-Painted Reproduction page.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1800 - , United States of America
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Glass option is only available in size under 110 CM
