Tart Slice
2004 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This server - expressive rather than functional - is an abstracted peek at our environment. The dark oxidised surfaces and attractive yellow-green-brown enamelling declare the autumn of the life of this microcosm of nature. But the two seed pods and sprouting pods provide emotional uplift-the promise of more to come. One senses the emotional interaction of the maker with her creation that prompts - forces - this freedom of expression and her need to express herself with this eye-catching work. The blade form recalls the Rococo Continental leaf slices of the late 18th Century.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Silver, enamel |
| Brief description | Silver and enamel, USA, Seattle, Washington State, 2004, designed and made by Maria Phillips |
| Physical description | The server is a “slice” of nature-a sturdy twig, a decaying leaf-blade and two up-raised seed pods. The handle, the twig, is knotted along its length. Seed pods sprout at the knots. The whole is oxidised. The dark grey metal coloration contrasts with the variegated greens, browns and whites of the champ levee enamelling, the scarred pitted surface, and the insect depredation convey the emotion of the decrepitude of the dying leaf. The underside of the leaf blade, unfortunately not easily seen, is a riot of champ levee decoration in these same tones. The server lies at rest on its side. It invites inspection, and suggests that concept and not function were the motivating concerns of the artist. This, despite the narrow sharp bevel of the left side to provide a cutting edge. |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label | This collection of silver slices, all commissioned over a period of twenty years by Professor Benton Seymour Rabinovitch FRS, is proof of the skill and diversity of contemporary silversmiths. Each artist craftsman has responded to the familiar functional form of the slice in an individual way, producing an astonishingly diverse range of interpretations. Each piece becomes an enchanting, decorative work of art. Professor Rabinovitch established a close rapport with each artist, always encouraging a freedom of creative expression. The response of these silversmiths has been not only to be strikingly imaginative but also to honour him by giving him their best work.
This collection is testimony to the significant contribution that one individual can make to supporting the craft of silversmithing. After commissioning work from some of the most illustrious names in British and North American silversmithing, Professor Rabinovitch has very generously donated his entire collection to the Victoria and Albert Museum, through the American Friends of the V&A.(2005) |
| Credit line | Given by the American Friends of the V&A through the generosity of Professor B. Seymour Rabinovitch |
| Historical context | Part of a collection of fish slices commissioned by Professor Rabinovitch from contemporary North American and British makers. |
| Summary | This server - expressive rather than functional - is an abstracted peek at our environment. The dark oxidised surfaces and attractive yellow-green-brown enamelling declare the autumn of the life of this microcosm of nature. But the two seed pods and sprouting pods provide emotional uplift-the promise of more to come. One senses the emotional interaction of the maker with her creation that prompts - forces - this freedom of expression and her need to express herself with this eye-catching work. The blade form recalls the Rococo Continental leaf slices of the late 18th Century. |
| Bibliographic reference | Benton Seymour Rabinovitch, Contemporary Silver, Part II Recent Commissions, Seattle, RAB Associates, 2005, pp. 58-9. ill. |
| Other number | LOAN:AMERICANFRIENDS.140-2005 - previous loan number |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.113-2008 |
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| Record created | May 12, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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