This Carved Two-Handle Urn merges classical Chinese Han Dynasty vessel proportions with influences from Southwest Native American ceramics. Providing a professional nod to his grandfather, this iconic urn resembles forms made by Ben Owen Sr. during his Jugtown Pottery days. During the 1980s, Ben Owen III and his father, Ben Wade Owen Jr., explored this pottery style together and developed their unique combination of technique and design. While the clay was still wet, they applied a slip over the surface before carving through the partially-dried slip to reveal the clay underneath. Each piece was distinguished with intricate, hand-worked detail.
Equally suited as sculptural décor, a meaningful remembrance vessel, or backdrop for floral arrangements, this unique vase embodies decades of refined ceramic artistry. Hand-turned and carved by Ben Owen III. Measuring 9.75”w x 10”h.
Please Note: What appear to be white spots on the surface are reflections from photo lighting.
Salt Glaze
Salt Glaze was first discovered by German potters in the late 14th and early 15th centuries. Due to the high firing temperatures, stoneware clays are required. The pieces can be handled and decorated with clay slips of many different colors, or glazed partially with Cobalt Blue Glaze. The surface may resemble the texture of an orange peel. This was an early glaze used by settlers during the 19th century in the Seagrove area. Many of the pieces Ben makes in the Salt Glaze are functional, even the more decorative large-scale pots.
This piece is hand-signed by Ben Owen III with the year made (1992) and is part of our "Pots From The Past" series. A treasured piece of North Carolina history!