The Dogwood Vase is a shape that has been made in Ben’s family for three generations. During the 1920s, Ben’s grandfather, Ben Owen Sr., was a potter at Jugtown Pottery. While there, in 1928, the Busbees of Jugtown entered a vase, made by Ben Owen Sr., in the Dogwood Festival. The vase was awarded best in the show and from that time forward, the vase was called the Dogwood Vase. The sculptured flowers on either side of this exquisite vase honor North Carolina which later came to be known as “The Dogwood State”.
The vase is made from local earthenware clay to enrich the bright red glaze tone. The thicker application of the glaze reveals a rich color and texture. The Chinese Red glaze is considered a signature glaze of the Owen family dating back to Ben III’s father. Measuring 5”w x 9"h.
Please Note: What appear to be white spots on the surface are reflections from photo lighting.
Chinese Red has become one of Ben III’s signature glazes over the past 35 years. Ben’s father, Ben Wade Owen Jr., developed the glaze after many customers requested a red finish. Chinese Red was not produced by Ben’s grandfather, Ben Owen Sr., although many of the forms that he studied early on in his career were shapes from China that included a red finish. The red glaze is reminiscent of the old Chinese Red overglazes used in the 16th century and has worked well with Ben III’s simple Asian translations. The red glazed pottery cannot be used for food or liquid due to the limitation of firing temperature. If using for flowers, place a plastic cylinder or bowl inside the vessel to hold water.
* Note special care instruction labels on each red pot.
This piece is hand-signed by Ben Owen III with the year made (2024).