Large Early Glazed and Sculpted Ceramic Vessel by Mary and Edwin Scheier

A large and striking stoneware ceramic vessel in the form of an African fang figure on basket by American potters Mary and Edwin Scheier (1908-2007;1910-2008) dated to 1959. Made early in their long ceramic career, this work is distinct in several regards, The vessel is very impressive in size at over 20 inches tall and it has a visually commanding presence. The stoneware was made from an iron rich red clay and completely covered in and out (except the rim of lid and base ring) in a pure black glaze with subtle dripping pattern and mottled effect. The vessel was apparently inspired by African art, specifically the reliquary bark basket used by Fang people in Gabon where the iconic statue for Byeri was attached on top of the basket that holds the bones of the important ancestor. The sculptural figure of the mother with two children on the lid is solid ceramic, which is rather in the artist's repertoire. This work is clearly a predecessor of the later work of the artist known for their surface relief of primitive figures. The base is incised "Scheier 59." An important early example of the duo's work.
Provenance: An American Collection.
"Modern". Rago Auction June 12, 2011, lot 720.

Partner in life and work, Scheiers are American potters known for their mid-century modern ceramic studio work and the incorporation of sculptural elements that emphasized in mystic human interaction. For their complete biography, see Currier Musuem of Art which holds the most complete collection of Scheier's work.