About this artwork
Although Sargent Claude Johnson is best known for figural works, these teacups are a rare example of his functional objects. While he was perennially interested in exploring black identity, as in the sculpture Head of a Black Woman (2000.86), Johnson broadened his subject matter and experimented with materials over the course of his career. Here, he used contrasting semicircles and rectangles to shape the handles of the cups and carried this focus on geometric form into abstract patterns, silhouetted figures, and musical instruments.
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Status
- On View, Gallery 264
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Department
- Arts of the Americas
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Artist
- Sargent Claude Johnson
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Title
- Pair of Teacups
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Places
- United States (Artist's nationality:), San Francisco (Object Probably made in)
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Date
- 1941
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Medium
- Earthenware and glaze
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Inscriptions
- Signed and dated bottom, incised: "SARGENT / JOHNSON / 41" [script, on both teacups].
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Dimensions
- Each; irregular: 6.4 × 10.8 × 6.4 cm (2 9/16 × 4 5/16 × 2 9/16 in.)
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Credit Line
- Roger and J. Peter McCormick Endowment Fund
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Reference Number
- 2019.897.1-2
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
