Title: Four mermaids of the oceans.
Artist: Richard Zunker.
Origin: N. California, USA.
Date of production: 2008.

Description: Hand-crafted heavy earthenware basin with rough exterior, featured at cardinal points are four mermaid visages, copper crazing with pewter undertones ornament one inch lip, glazed turquoise interior, resting above lower footed base, lower base slip signed "ZUNKER.".

Artistic interpretation and symbology: Fantasy and mythical representation of four mermaids emerging from all four corners of the sea. Mermaids have been enduring symbols of myth and culture for thousands of years. This work recalls fantasy illustrations of prolific early 20th century artists Arthur Rackham and Edmund Dulac, and Disney in the later 20th century.

About the artist: Richard Zunker is a ceramist and sculptor who has been creating for 45 years. He was born in the mid-west US, and settled in Northern California after leaving the University of Wisconsin where he studied art. His work is represented in select studio galleries across the U.S. Strong themes of his work feature fairies, mermaids, and seashells.