Tropical Island Tea Set

Joan Takayama-Ogawa, Tropical Island Tea Set, 1996, white earthenware, glazes, and china paints, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of David and Jacqueline Charak, 2000.33A-D
Copied Joan Takayama-Ogawa, Tropical Island Tea Set, 1996, white earthenware, glazes, and china paints, 61218 in. (15.230.545.7 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of David and Jacqueline Charak, 2000.33A-D

Artwork Details

Title
Tropical Island Tea Set
Date
1996
Dimensions
61218 in. (15.230.545.7 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of David and Jacqueline Charak
Mediums Description
white earthenware, glazes, and china paints
Classifications
Subjects
  • Landscape — island
  • Landscape — tropic
  • Landscape — plant — flower
Object Number
2000.33A-D

Artwork Description

The textured pot and cup in Tropical Island Teapot were inspired by Joan Takayama-Ogawa’s experience snorkeling during a vacation to Hawaii. She was drawn to the underwater world of the reef and has translated these images onto her teapots, out of which barnacles, plants, and coral “grow.” The teapot and cup rest on a deep-blue platter that represents the Pacific Ocean.