Jazz Bowl

New Yorker punch bowl 02 - Viktor Schrenkengost (39517173152)

Jazz Bowl is a significant piece of ceramic art created by the notable Victor Schreckengost for the Cowan Pottery Studio in 1931. This piece, also known as the "New Yorker" or "Cocktail Set," epitomizes the Art Deco movement's influence on American decorative arts during the early 20th century. The Jazz Bowl's creation was commissioned by Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of then New York Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt, showcasing the era's fascination with jazz music and the vibrant nightlife of New York City.

Design and Inspiration

The Jazz Bowl features a bold, stylized depiction of New York City's nightlife, with motifs that include skyscrapers, cocktail glasses, musical instruments, and dancing figures. Schreckengost, who was both an artist and an industrial designer, drew inspiration from his own experiences in New York City, capturing the dynamic rhythm and energy of jazz music through visual form. The bowl's design reflects the Art Deco aesthetic with its streamlined shapes, geometric patterns, and a limited color palette dominated by blue, which was achieved through a special glazing technique.

Creation and Production

Originally intended as a singular piece, the popularity of the Jazz Bowl led to the production of a limited series by Cowan Pottery Studio, located in Rocky River, Ohio. Each bowl was handcrafted, making every piece slightly unique. The production process involved multiple firings and the application of various glazes to achieve the deep blue color and intricate details that characterize the bowl.

Legacy

The Jazz Bowl is considered one of the masterpieces of American ceramic art and remains an iconic example of the Art Deco style. It not only reflects the cultural zeitgeist of the 1930s but also highlights the innovative techniques and artistic vision of Victor Schreckengost. Today, the Jazz Bowl is highly prized by collectors and can be found in several museum collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Victor Schreckengost

Victor Schreckengost (1906–2008) was an influential American artist and designer, whose work spanned a variety of mediums, including ceramics, sculpture, and industrial design. His contributions to the field of American design are vast, with the Jazz Bowl being one of his most celebrated works. Schreckengost's legacy is preserved through his innovative designs and the impact he had on 20th-century American art and design.