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

Large Stoneware Casserole

USA, 1900
Date acquired:
Materials:
Stoneware
Form - Functional: N/A
Form - Sculptural: N/A
Method:
Thrown
Surface Technique: N/A
Kiln Type: N/A
Glazes:
Glaze
Diane Lulek | 1957 – Present

Larry Elsner is known for abstracted hand-built mid-range oxidation fired vessels and animal sculptures. His work is often unglazed, scraped, and decorated with ribbon patterns and oxide stains. Common themes throughout his work included the human figure, cats, horses, vessels, and other simplified figures.

Elsner was inspired to stone scrape his pots after seeing this treatment on anagama-style wood fired pots in Japan. The scraping reveals more colors left by the wood firing. Elsner scraped his pieces to reveal the texture and patterns inscribed before firing. He also ground his pots post-firing.

Elsner grew up on his family?s ranch, which also inspired his work. He attended the University of Idaho from 1948 to 1951 to study industrial arts, and joined the US Navy in 1953.

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Lulek 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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