vase | Spencer Museum of Art

Marie Levering Benson, artist

1877–1958

vase, circa 1910

Where object was made: United States

Material/technique: pottery; earthenware

Dimensions:
Object Height/Width (Height x Width): 25.8 x 18.9 cm
Object Height/Width (Height x Width): 10 3/16 x 7 7/16 in

Credit line: William Bridges Thayer Memorial

Accession number: 1928.3646

Not on display

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Collection Cards: STEM

Marie Benson created this vase using Kansas clay. Benson used a red glaze that is similar to Native American pottery of the area. Benson taught ceramics and design at the University of Kansas from 1909 to 1920. She also worked with the Kansas Geological Survey (a research and service department of the University of Kansas) to test local soils and clays.

How does the soil in your yard look and feel? Compare it to soil someplace else. Is the soil the same or different? If it is different, how? Some things you might think about are color, texture, and density.

How does clay change when it has been left in the sun? What do you think this vase looked like before it was fired in a kiln? Would it have been this color, or not? Would the surface have been shiny, or dull?

Archive Label 2001:
Made from locally available clays and decorated with distinctive red glazes, Benson's "Kanza Ware" is named after the indigenous people of northeast Kansas. Benson studied art at Newcomb College in New Orleans and taught ceramics and design at the University of Kansas from 1909 to 1920.