Offering guests, family, or friends a treat or special food dish has been a long-standing tradition across many cultures that continues today. The cobalt pigment blended with the naturally formed glaze from the melting wood ash during the kiln firing creates a completely unique piece.
This small bowl is the perfect size to add to your breakfast routine for fruit or yogurt in the morning. It is also a great size to use as a single-serving ice cream bowl or for serving small desserts. Dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Hand-turned by Benjamin Owen IV. Measuring 6.25”dia. x 2.75”h.
Please Note: What appear to be white spots on the surface are reflections from photo lighting.
Multi-Layered Glazes
While Ben III was in college in the 1990s, he was introduced to a spraying technique with an air-driven spray gun that some potters use to build up layers of glazes on the clay surface. With some experimenting, he was able to create a variety of finishes using accents of three or four different colors and using an ash glaze as a top coat to blend or bleach the underlying colors. Some finishes are a base of iron yellow with cobalt blue or copper green covering with orange to silver developing from the overlapping colors. Each pot is unique. As a similar process to Natural Ash Glazes, Ben III frequently places these finishes in the wood kiln to accentuate the colors as well.
Benjamin Owen IV
Benjamin Wade Owen IV (b. 2005) is the youngest child of sixth-generation potter Ben Owen III. Creating with clay is a way for Benjamin to carry on his family’s legacy and connect with his roots. Benjamin’s work has been featured in the Mint Museum in Charlotte, NC as well as the Gallery at Grandover in Greensboro, NC.
In 2023, Benjamin graduated from Uwharrie Charter Academy High School in Asheboro, NC before entering Liberty University in Virginia to further his education.
During the summer of 2025, in his Junior year at Liberty, Ben IV completed an internship with the Young America’s Foundation at the
National Journalism Center in Washington, D.C.
Currently refining his knowledge in governmental science, policymaking and continuing his passion for investment, Ben IV is a Senior at Liberty University and will graduate with his Baccalaureate degree in 2026.
When home on holiday, Ben IV enjoys spending his spare moments turning clay in his family’s studio in Seagrove, N.C.
This piece is hand-signed by Benjamin Owen IV with the year made (2024).