Vase
The Cultural Properties Collection, Smith House has ten closed-form bottles produced by Phyllis Ihrman at her Willow Wind Pottery in nearby Farmington, Michigan. Ihrman developed her crystalline and velvet single-fired glazing techniques at the Detroit Society of Arts and Crafts while studying with ceramicist John Foster and through close examination of the art pottery of Adelaide Alsop Robineau, including several of Robineau’s works held in the Cranbrook Art Museum collection. Ihrman shared her experimentations with crystalline glazes in a major publication on Robineau and in instructional articles for Ceramics Monthly.
Ihrman’s dual role as a maker and educator is clear in the materials that went with the invitation to a 1974 exhibition of her work now held in the Melvyn Maxwell and Sara Evelyn Smith Papers, Cranbrook Archives. Along with information about the opening reception at Habatat Gallery, the invitation included a detailed explanation of Ihrman’s glazing process and firing schedule. The Smiths bought four vases at the 1974 exhibition and expanded their collection through the early 1980s.
Nina Blomfield
2021-2023 Decorative Arts Trust Marie Zimmermann Collections Fellow
Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research
April 2022
Diameter: 3 5/8 in (9.2 cm)
ProvenanceMelvyn Maxwell and Sara Stein Smith (circa 1970–1984)
Sara Stein Smith (1984–1990)
Robert N. and Anne F. Smith (1990–1997)
Melvyn Maxwell and Sara Smith Foundation (1997–2007)
The Towbes Foundation (2007–2017)
Cranbrook Educational Community (2017–present)
Credit LineCranbrook Center for Collections and Research
Cultural Properties Collection, Smith House
Gift of The Towbes Foundation
Medium / MaterialsPorcelain
MarkingsSticker on bottom: 1A
SignedIncised on bottom: 39 / Willow Wind / maker's mark
GenreObject TypeVases
Select Bibliography and Archival Citation(s)Habatat Galleries to Melvyn Maxwell Smith, invoice dated March 16, 1974. Melvyn Maxwell and Sara Evelyn Smith Papers (2017-10), Box 11, Folder 9 (Art Objects), Cranbrook Archives.
Phyllis Ihrman, “Crystal Glazes,” no date. Melvyn Maxwell and Sara Evelyn Smith Papers (2017-10), Box 11, Folder 9 (Art Objects), Cranbrook Archives.
Habatat Galleries to Mr. and Mrs. M Maxwell Smith, Invitation to opening reception of Phyllis Ihrman Exhibition, March 16 – April 6, 1974. Melvyn Maxwell and Sara Evelyn Smith Papers (2017-10), Box 11, Folder 9 (Art Objects), Cranbrook Archives.
Phyllis Ihrman to Melvyn Maxwell and Sara Evelyn Smith, no date, letter describing national exhibition of works prior to purchase by Smiths. Melvyn Maxwell and Sara Evelyn Smith Papers (2017-10), Box 11, Folder 9 (Art Objects), Cranbrook Archives.
