Eva Zeisel (American, born Hungary, 1906–2011). <em>Baby Oil Pourer</em>, ca. 1940. Earthenware, 3 1/4 x 6 x 3 in. (8.3 x 15.2 x 7.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Eva Zeisel, 85.75.3a-b. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 85.75.3a-b_view1_bw.jpg)

Eva Zeisel (American, born Hungary, 1906–2011). Baby Oil Pourer, ca. 1940. Earthenware, 3 1/4 x 6 x 3 in. (8.3 x 15.2 x 7.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Eva Zeisel, 85.75.3a-b. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 85.75.3a-b_view1_bw.jpg)

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Baby Oil Pourer

Decorative Arts and Design

On View: Decorative Art, 4th Floor

This prototype of a vessel for pouring baby oil exemplifies both the wit and the practicality of Eva Zeisel’s designs. What does it feel like and how does it work are two questions always on her mind. In this case, though simplified and abstract, the shape wittily evokes a rabbit. The body of the vessel is meant to be held in one hand (with the baby cradled in the other) while the hand squeezes the “ears” to open the spout at the mouth and pour. The object not only feels pleasant in the hand but also performs its function well.

MAKER Eva Zeisel, American, born Hungary, 1906–2011

MEDIUM Earthenware

Place Manufactured: United States

DATES ca. 1940

DIMENSIONS 3 1/4 x 6 x 3 in. (8.3 x 15.2 x 7.6 cm) (show scale)

MARKINGS no marks

SIGNATURE no signature

INSCRIPTIONS no inscriptions

COLLECTIONS Decorative Arts and Design

ACCESSION NUMBER 85.75.3a-b

CREDIT LINE Gift of Eva Zeisel

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Pink-glazed earthenware, lidded container (a) in the shape of a rabbit. The lid (b) pivoting from but not attached to the body (a), which has a round hole for filing and a small spout for pouring. CONDITION: (a) Normal wear. (b) Cork dried out. Old chip filed down at front tip of lid.

EXHIBITIONS

Vital Forms: American Art and Design in the Atomic Age, 1940-1960

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Decorative Art, 4th Floor

CAPTION Eva Zeisel (American, born Hungary, 1906–2011). Baby Oil Pourer, ca. 1940. Earthenware, 3 1/4 x 6 x 3 in. (8.3 x 15.2 x 7.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Eva Zeisel, 85.75.3a-b. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 85.75.3a-b_view1_bw.jpg)

IMAGE overall, 85.75.3a-b_view1_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph

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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY

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