Betty Woodman

Pillow Pitcher

c. 1970

  • Glazed earthenware; hand-built
  • 14 3/4 x 20 3/8 x 12 1/4 in. (37.5 x 51.8 x 31.1 cm)
  • Gift of Linda Leonard Schlenger, 1993
  • 1993.89

glossary terms

glaze, earthenware

material

Ceramic

signature

Woodman (stamped on handle)

marks

Paper label on base '92 Christie's auction

curator’s statement

The pillow pitcher is one of Betty Woodman's signature forms. This vessel references the traditional Etruscan ewer, known for its embellished handles and colorful, highly decorative (either brushed-on or dripped) glazes. Although her work often takes vessel forms (a pitcher, bowl, plate, or cup), the concepts go far beyond functionality, with the bold painterly brushwork of the glazing and the historical references as the focus. Her pillow pitchers continue in a long tradition of ceramic vessels, while her innovations with the forms make her work sculptural. Betty Woodman's invention of the pillow pitcher form is an example of her interest in exploring the contemporary potential of classical ceramic shapes, and in the painterly use of brilliant glazes.
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object description

Handled pitcher with a large pouring lip and a body in the shape of a cushion. The handle is flat and wide, and attaches at the middle of the body and at the top of the spout. The vessel is painted in shades of hunter green, deep yellow, and eggplant purple, with dripping glazes in geometric patterns and abstract shapes.
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