Ralph Bacerra

Orange Form

1968

Photo: Ed Watkins, 2007

  • Earthenware, metallic (chrome, lead) overglaze; wheel-thrown
  • 9 1/2 x 9 x 8 3/4 in. (24.1 x 22.9 x 22.2 cm)
  • Gift of the Johnson Wax Company, through the American Craft Council, 1977
  • 1977.2.6

glossary terms

earthenware, lead, overglazing, glaze, wheel throwing

material

Ceramic

location

On View, 3rd Floor Gallery, Freestanding Case

signature

"Ralph" on base

curator’s statement

Ralph Bacerra is known for his imaginative use of techniques, especially with glazes and surface treatments. To create bold patterns, rich color juxtapositions, and textures, Bacerra makes use of multiple layers of low-fire underglazes that he embellishes with overglaze enamels, bright metallic glazes, and gilding. In this example, Bacerra worked with metallic overglazes to produce the varied surfaces, both smooth and crackled, high-gloss and matte.
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object description

This hollow-formed and biomorphically-shaped sculpture has two types of glazes and decorative effects. The bottom of the piece is deep orange-red and has a sandy-textured, crackled matte glaze. At the very top, there is a high gloss shallow opening (as if it has deformed lips) in red, spotted yellow and brown, and green.
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