Designs for Decorative Vases

About this work

This sketch shows two rough, hand-drawn vases with swirling designs. One vase is tall and narrow, the other wider with a fluted top. Both have curved handles and simple patterns—maybe leaves or ribbons—scratched into the paper. The lines are light, almost like quick notes, with some smudges where the chalk blurred. The artist used just black chalk, no color, to sketch these shapes. The paper has a textured weave, and the edges look worn, like it’s been handled a lot. This style feels more like a draft than a finished drawing. Want to see more sketches like this? Check out the National Gallery of Art, Washington.