Unsuspecting, ceramics has long been a medium used by artists to incite political change, or to offer an opinion on the state of the world. It’s presence in day-to-day life has made it an ideal channel to spread a message to a nation, outside of the usual forms of newspapers and media.
A powerful example of ceramics and its political nature comes in the form of a sugar bowl, brought to the table of valuer Ronnie Archer-Morgan in an episode of Antiques Roadshow. Produced in Staffordshire at the request of the anti-slavery movement of the early nineteenth century, the bowl is decorated with a depiction of a slave, recognisable as an interpretation of Josiah Wedgwoods famous medallion ‘Am I not a man and a brother?’. The rare ceramic pot is inscribed with the words: “East India sugar, not made by slaves, by six families, using East India instead of West India sugar, one slave less as required”. The subtle switch of gender in slave has led experts to believe the sugar pot to have likely been commissioned by a woman. This is because at the time women did not have a right to vote and so ceramics presented an opportunity for them to enter the household of others, ask their consumer to consider who produced their sugar and to further present the life of the woman in all of it.
Again, household objects were used as a means of taking a political stance – on this occasion however in an ask for the preservation of a tradition rather than the abolition. In Japan, Mingei was a ceramic philosophy, practiced in a bid to conserve the countries’ identity against the onslaught of Western values and aesthetics placed on them during the nineteen twenties. It championed the beauty of useful everyday objects made by humble craftsmen rather than the plain factory manufactured alternative, suggested by the west as being superior. The beautifully decorated teapots and serving bowls stood as a powerful statement against forced modernisation, in favour of time-consuming artistry, expertise, and handiwork.
A twenty first century example of the continuation of protest against the affairs of the state using clay, comes from the artist Connor Czora, a political activist, protesting through porcelain. His shattered ‘Make America Great Again’ baseball cap has been shown countlessly in galleries across the United States and has been described as a ‘standout’ and ‘jaw dropping piece’. His work advocates for trans rights through decorated dinner plates – created in a response to Florida’s ban on healthcare for trans minors in November 2022- and to Palestinians through his work for Potters for Palestine.
It seems, much as everything, ceramics cannot be distinguished from the tragedies of its time and instead has been used to highlight them. So next time you encounter a pot, it may be worth considering, is this just a container or is there more to it?
Featured Image: Connor Czora, Make America Great Again/Medium: glazed porcelain with gold lustre. ConnorCzoraArt.com
Written by Emma Carys
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