This dish is finished with a Ben Owen Pottery proprietary glaze, Cobalt Crystalline. The perfect size to use as a ring or jewelry dish, or for appetizers. Fully functional and dishwasher-safe. Measuring 6.5”dia.x 6.25" x 1.5"h
Please Note: What appear to be white spots on the surface are reflections from photo lighting.
Works made by daughter, Juliana Dare Owen
Juliana Owen (b. 2002), the second daughter of sixth-generation potter Ben Owen III, has been playing in clay since she was very small. Juliana began selling her work in our retail store when she was around 13 years old. She also enjoys creating sculptural clay work.
The Cobalt Crystalline Glaze series was carefully developed by Ben Owen III over several years. Various glaze materials with the potential to create unique surfaces and patterns were methodically manipulated during test series after test series until crystal formation became somewhat replicable. Many of these crystal formations have been viewed as a comparison of various natural occurrences in the Earth’s environment. Some resemble lichen on stone, lily pads floating along a lake or pond, moss on a tree trunk, and even blue jellyfish floating in deep ocean waters.
To achieve this rare find, the kiln temperature is meticulously controlled as it rises AND as it falls, to encourage crystalline growth at specific temperatures. The glaze is applied by carefully airbrushing multiple layers of complementary glazes. The presence of titanium- and zinc-rich ingredients promotes crystal development, while the pigment cobalt tints the crystals blue and the pigment iron tints the background. We hope you enjoy this one-of-a-kind glaze!
Juliana graduated from Uwharrie Charter Academy High School in 2021. Earning the title of Miss Central Carolina’s Outstanding Teen in 2018, Juliana’s creativity and aptitude provide a strong platform for her to experience many facets of life. While enjoying tennis as a sport, developing her strong skills in marketing and business through extracurricular events, and furthering her education through classes at both UCAHS and the Randolph Community College, Juliana balances a full schedule of classes alongside personal enrichment activities.
In her spare time, Juliana enjoys turning clay at the wheel alongside her father, Ben Owen III. This shared time together provides a space for Juliana to express her artistic nature while sharing her family’s long-standing tradition of creating with clay.
Juliana is now a Junior at Boston College and is studying Business and Architecture.
This piece is hand-signed by Juliana Owen with the year made (2025).