Photo: John Bigelow Taylor
Photo: John Bigelow Taylor

A Cocoa Pot

USA, 1990
The White House Collection
Date acquired:
Materials:
Porcelain
Form - Functional:
Pot
Form - Sculptural: N/A
Method:
Slab-Built
Surface Technique: N/A
Kiln Type: N/A
Glazes:
Overglaze
Overglaze (On Glaze)
Underglaze
Mara Superior

Mara Superior is known for porcelain works based on traditional functional or sculptural forms using sprigging and under glaze decoration on press molded or slab built wares that are strongly influenced by Superior?s interest in traditional American folk imagery, travel, and politics.

With the exception ofher early ceramics,all her work is porcelain fired in a gas kiln. Her pieces range from plates, platters, bowls, tulipi貥s, and figurinesto larger sculptural pieces. Each form serves as a surface for her elaborate, intricate under glaze painting.

The autobiographical narratives she presents in her work address themesincluding thehome as a valued place, filled with happiness and love, travel, and animals.She frequently incorporatesbirds and fish which appear in relation toher themes. Beginning in 2007 she started creating a series of works with strong political themes.

Mara Superior was one of the founders of Pinch Pottery/Ferrin Gallery in 1979 in Northampton, Massachusetts.

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The White House Collection

Superior in other collections

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These records have been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced.

Last updated: April 22, 2026

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