Assassination of a Famous Nut Artist, 1971

This is a bowl created by Bernard Leach. He was a British artist born in the last 19th century who became a very influential studio potter. His style was simple and utilitarian, preferring function over form.  Writing the work A Potter's Book, Leach influenced North American potters to return to a more standard ware style of pottery instead of creating more abstract, aesthetic pieces. It is for these reasons that I really like the bowl pictured above. It is simple and functional, while still maintaining an elegant aura. Although the color of the glaze lends a more homey feel to it, the lines of the bowl elevate it above a standard work.