Klytie Pate
Ginger Jar
The emergence of Australian Studio Pottery in the 1940s-50s can
be traced back to a small number of Melbourne potters including
Klytie Pate. Pate, who studied drawing at the National
Gallery School and modelling and sculpture at Melbourne Technical
College/Working Men's College, was herself a teacher of ceramics
before becoming a professional potter in 1945.
The ginger jar was a favourite form of the artist, who was
inspired by the Kent Collection of Chinese ceramics at the National
Gallery of Victoria. Pate's knowledge and skill in the
application of glaze technology was exceptional for her time, and
she experimented with the varied qualities of exotic glaze
recipes. She applied her knowledge both to works that were
extensively carved in the art deco style as well as to pieces such
as this ginger jar which is unadorned except for its lustrous
purple glaze.