"Caress of Water" Memory Jug by Michael Thompson

Based in Chicago, IL, contemporary artist Michael Thompson creates unique kites, collages and mixed media works assembled from material fragments of past and present collected in his travels. In his ongoing series of memory jugs, Thompson adorns stoneware vessels with a kaleidoscope of ceramic shards, found objects, and pocket-sized trinkets he collected over the course of his life. Also known as forget-me-not jugs or spirit jars, memory jugs are African American folk art objects that honor a loved one who has recently passed. Small tokens and mementos of the deceased are gathered and affixed to the exterior of a jug or vase, an abundance of memories that celebrates a life lived to the fullest. Michael Thompson applies this tradition to his own practice, creating tactile assemblages of this and that. Formed in the manner of collage, each jug honors the lost memories of generations past and his own memories of personally discovering each item. With varied sources for materials including Kyoto, Turkey, and Mexico, a great number of the found shards are 18th and 19th century ceramics...

This 19th-century kitchen vessel is coated inside and out with a dark brown glaze that clings to its ribbed sides with subtle color variation. Designed for serving water or tea, the squat jar features a narrow neck, small strap handles, and a short spout for pouring. The rounded shoulders are brushed with simple linework in a contrasting light brown glaze. Textured with pitted wear and other imperfections, the rustic vessel is wonderful as an unusual vase...

Based in Chicago, IL, contemporary artist Michael Thompson creates unique kites, collages and mixed media works assembled from material fragments of past and present collected in his...

Painted Terracotta sculpture realized by Sirio Pellegrini in 1960s. Good condition. Sirio Pellegrini, born in Rome on March 1, 1922, of Abruzzo origins (Capestrano), spent his chil...