This Dogwood White Bowl carries on a generational tradition dating back to Benjamin IV’s great-grandfather, Ben Owen Sr. The scalloped design on the base was inspired by Asian pottery allowing room for a glaze to move at the base.
Handmade by Benjamin Owen IV. Dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Colorful foods display well inside this bright bowl. Measuring 7.75"dia. x 1.75"h.
Please Note: What appear to be white spots on the surface are reflections from photo lighting.
Benjamin Owen IV (b. 2005), the youngest child of sixth-generation potter Ben Owen III, is a Junior at Uwharrie Charter Academy High School in Asheboro, NC. His current passions include cross country, governmental science and policymaking, and investment. While keeping task with his school assignments, Benjamin enjoys turning clay on the wheel in his father’s studio. As a long-standing tradition in the Owen Family, creating with clay is a way for Benjamin to carry on his family’s legacy and connect with his roots. Benjamin’s work is featured in galleries such as the Mint Museum in Charlotte, NC as well as the Golf Shop of the renowned Grandover Resort in Greensboro, NC.
During the 1920s, Benjamin IV's great-grandfather, Ben Owen Sr., was a potter at Jugtown Pottery. While there, Jacque Busbee did extensive research to create many of the colors for the pottery. Chinese and Japanese white finishes inspired the Dogwood White glaze for pottery with a thick coating that resembles icing on a cake. In 1928, the Busbees of Jugtown entered a vase, made by Ben Owen, in the Dogwood festival with this white glaze. The vase was awarded best in the show and from that time forward, the vase was called the Dogwood Vase, and the glaze was named Dogwood White. This glaze works well for weddings and flower displays.
This piece is hand-signed by Benjamin Owen IV with the year made (2023).