Photo: Smithsonian
Photo: Smithsonian

Small Porcelain Bowl with Prussian Blue Glaze

USA, 1979
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Date acquired:
Materials:
Porcelain
Form - Functional: N/A
Form - Sculptural: N/A
Method:
Thrown
Surface Technique: N/A
Kiln Type: N/A
Glazes:
Glaze
Elsa Rady | 1943 – Present

Elsa Rady is known for simple porcelain vessels, typically vases, bottles, and bowls. Many of her bowl forms have diagonal cuts at the rim to visually create the feeling ofcentripetal motion.

Rady used her work to reinterpret ancient classical ceramic forms and techniques, particularly those derived from Asian ceramic traditions. The simplicity and clean lines of her work also reflect mid-century modern aesthetics. She challenged the existing standards for ceramic display by creating custom wall-mounted shelves and suspending her works from stainless steel cords.

Rady studied with Ralph Bacerra and Otto and Vivika Heino at the Chouinard Art Institute. She worked designing for both Interpace Franciscan China Corporation and Swid Powell Corporation. She maintained her studio in Venice, California.

Her ceramics have become icons of contemporary design.

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Smithsonian American Art Museum

Rady 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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