Gravy boat

Designer: Russel Wright

c. 1955–59 (designed 1938–39)

Glazed pottery

Minneapolis Institute of Art

A light blue glazed pottery gravy boat and underplate are displayed next to a matching serving dish on a neutral background. Russel Wright became a household name thanks in large part to his American Modern dinnerware line manufactured from 1939-1959. The service, characterized by its organic forms, soon was a regular fixture in American kitchens, dining rooms, and even backyard barbeques. The various colors such as Coral, Chartreuse Curry, and Sea foam Blue (the latter seen here) ensured the mix-and-match quality the Wrights advocated as part of the new American informality. American Modern followed Wright's philosophy to create a modern home (often run without domestic help) attractive and fun through Russel's colorful, simple designs for the home, incl