The Art of Empty Space presents a selection of vessels from the permanent collection that span cultures, time, and place from ancient to contemporary societies and from Mexico to Alaska. While many of the exhibited vessels utilize similar materials, they possess discernable differences in technique, form, and surface decoration—invariably dictated by the vessel’s purpose. If crafted for daily use, the vessel functioned as a container for storing, gathering, or safekeeping items. Even if it were made purely for decoration or as a trade item, the vessel was inspired by the humble nature of its functional origins. Exhibited together, the vessels represent not only a collection of individual objects, but also an accumulation of histories and ideas that provide insight into the diversity of handcrafted forms among cultures.