Light Gatherer
Circa 1970-1990s

Porcelain
3 x 3 x 3 in.
Gift of Richard W. Gold from the Arthur J. Williams Collection
2024.12.50

Since the 1950s, when Rudolf Staffel began working with porcelain, pursuing translucency became one of his primary artistic goals. He created an extensive series of Light Gatherers—vessels that, while unique in form, share the same title due to their ability to transmit light. This small pot exemplifies Staffel’s quest: it is wheel-thrown and altered to allow light to illuminate it, producing stunning, glowing shades. Like a bulb flower with delicate petals, this pot seems to bloom in a sudden burst of vibrant light.

Staffel was born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1911. In 1931, he studied at the Art Institute of Chicago. Later, he taught at the Arts and Crafts Club of New Orleans and, from 1940 to 1978, at the Tyler School of Art at Temple University in Philadelphia.

Sara Eco Conti

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This object has the following keywords:

• blue
• mint green - Refers to a range of cool green colors resembling either the dark green colors of the leaves of the aromatic mint plant or the light green colors of confections flavored with mint.
• purple
• texture
• white