Photo: TMP
Photo: TMP
Photo: TMP
Photo: TMP

Vase

USA, 1965
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Marer Collection, Scripps College
Date acquired:
Materials:
Stoneware
Form - Functional: N/A
Form - Sculptural: N/A
Method:
Thrown
Surface Technique: N/A
Kiln Type: N/A
Glazes:
Glaze
Jun Kaneko | 1942 – Present

Joe Bova is a sculptor known for his figurative sculpture and vessels which incorporate human and animal imagry with anthropomorphic expression. Common animal subjects are birds, dogs, monkeys, pigs, and rabbits. Forms vary from face jugs to jars, sculptures both on plinths and wall hung.

Bova?s developed sculptural works many of which show the seamless integration of the animal forms and vessel. During different periods of his career, work has dealt with social and political topics. Bova utilizes the animal form as ?symbols, surrogates and totems?. He is influenced by the ceramics of Mexico and of the Mochica peoples of the northern coast of Peru which is known for jars in the form of the human head with stylized motifs. The Mochia influence is seen some examples of Bova?s work of the late 1970s through the 1980s. In 2006 Bova, began to create a focus on animal forms and imagery and the teapot form, Bova describes these as ?the pot incognito?. At times, Bova incorporates the human and animal forms. In certain cases eroticism and humor are used to develop content.

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Marer Collection, Scripps College

Kaneko in other collections

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Note:

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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