This Ink Well was made by Ben Owen Sr. circa 1960. Glazed in his famous "Frogskin" Glaze, this beautiful example of mid-19th century North Carolina pottery will become a favored conversation piece in the home or office. Measuring 4”w x 3.25”h.
Please Note: What appear to be white spots on the surface are reflections from photo lighting.
PLEASE NOTE CRACK ON BOTTOM - SEE PHOTO
This beautiful Ink Well has a circular crack along the bottom. Although still a lovely collectible and a great example of Ben Owen Sr.'s work, we do want the buyer to be aware. Thank you!
Frogskin Glaze
Frogskin is the same glaze as a Teadust glaze but fired in the back of a salt glaze groundhog kiln where salt is added to the firing at the very end. The sodium in the salt reacts similarly to the way bleach works on clothing by bleaching the iron-rich glaze creating an olive green to mustard-colored finish with a glossy surface.
Historically, Ben III’s family and many other potters in the Seagrove area became aware of natural clay from Albany, NY (known as Albany Slip) that could be used as a glaze by itself to produce this type of finish with the addition of salt thrown in the kiln at the end of the firing.
Made by Ben Owen Sr. circa 1960. Stamped "Master Potter Ben Owen".