1967 David Gilhooly "Star Flower" Vase | Uc Davis Professor Estate

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Rare museum-caliber 1967 David Gilhooly "Star Flower" ceramic vase. This significant early work was acquired directly from the estate of … Read more Rare museum-caliber 1967 David Gilhooly "Star Flower" ceramic vase. This significant early work was acquired directly from the estate of a UC Davis Professor. It originates from the heart of the Bay Area Funk Art movement. Hand-incised "DG 67" on the base, this piece represents Gilhooly’s influential master's year at the legendary TB-9 studio alongside Robert Arneson.

Standing 8" tall, the vessel features a dense cluster of five-pointed star flowers in high relief. Each is finished in glossy, jewel-toned glazes including primary yellow, orange, crimson, and cobalt. The design displays an intentional, avant-garde drip-glaze effect that bleeds down the white-thrown body. This is a hallmark of the 1960s "Anti-Form" aesthetic. The body is finished in a subtle, iridescent pearlescent wash that highlights the tactile throwing rings.

Historical context adds unique value to this 1967 piece. This pivotal year marked both the birth of Gilhooly’s first daughter and his transition to a pioneer of the California "Anti-Object" philosophy. This "Star Flower" motif captures a rare, celebratory moment in his career where rebellious Funk Art met playful whimsy.

Artist: David Gilhooly (1943-2013)

Date: 1967 (UC Davis MA year)

Provenance: Estate of a UC Davis Professor

Keywords: David Gilhooly, Bay Area Funk Art, TB-9 Studio, Robert Arneson, UC Davis, Studio Pottery, 1960s Ceramics.

Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Minor glaze skips and firing inconsistencies are original to the artist's hand-wrought process. These are prized characteristics of the Funk movement.

Size: 8"H x 7.25"D See less