Triple Udder Mermaid Vessel

Ken Ferguson (1928-2004) was a ceramicist best known for creating vessels with animal or anthropomorphic qualities included in the form. ‘Triple Udder Mermaid Vessel’ hybridises several figural and animal quantities into the body of a pouring jug, the inflated stature of the feet shaped to reflect breasts or udders and combining with the mermaid handle as a symbol for mythic or folk-like femininity. The vase is covered with a verdigris and gray dead-matte volcanic glaze that adds solidity and a sense of rough, earthy tactility.