Punch Bowl

Dense fronds of pointed leaves and bands of five-petal blossoms ornament this spherical punch bowl. Potters used molds to form the vessel and to create leaf- and flower-shaped cells on the surface, which, when filled with glossy blue glaze, produce a boldly graphic design. The use of molds also reduced cost. Architect Richard Riemerschmid designed furniture, metalwork, lighting, glass, and textiles. In 1900 he began a collaboration with Reinhold Merkelbach, a manufacturer of traditional stoneware, to create more modern and affordable ceramic wares such as this example with sleek geometric form and graphic ornament inspired by nature.