Bottle forms have been a favored shape for centuries. A challenging but rewarding form to make, bottles are one of Ben’s favorite pieces to create on the potter’s wheel.
Traditionally made for the strict purpose of containment, bottle forms today are appreciated for their delicate, decorative shapes which contrast their organic, primal feel.
The Chinese Blue is a blend of copper pigments that will react to the smoke and flame of the firing process. A one-of-a-kind piece. No two develop the color pattern in the same way. Adding salt into the atmosphere of the kiln creates a bleaching effect to the glaze that results in lighter colors than the non-salt Chinese Blue firings. Measuring 5.5”w x 8.5”h.
Please Note: What appear to be white spots on the surface are reflections from photo lighting.
Chinese Blue
The Chinese Blue Glaze is sought by collectors because of the variety of hues and variations of finish from each firing. No two pieces develop exactly alike. Each result is one-of-a-kind.
Although many of the forms are similar to Chinese Red pieces, there are some shapes made specifically for this glaze.
The color is achieved from several mixtures of copper in a glaze and fired to 2250°F. This glaze was first developed at Jugtown Pottery in the 1930s. After Jacques Busbee’s death, his wife Juliana requested that the glaze no longer be produced. From different accounts and research, the recipe for the glaze was lost. This glaze influenced Ben Owen Sr. when he established his own studio. After many attempts to re-create the glaze, he developed a similar recipe that was then handed down through the generations and Ben Owen III continues with his version of the glaze.
This piece is hand-signed by Ben Owen III with the year made (1993), and, is part of our "Pots From The Past" series.