A classic and popular shape from Ben Owen III and his family, this Egg Vase creates an elegant understatement. The scalloped design on the base is influenced by techniques seen in early Chinese glazed pottery during the Song and Tang Dynasties and early Japanese techniques. The rich color of the local, native red clay enhances the deep black glaze coating. Measuring 3.5"w x 5.5"h.
Please Note: What appear to be white spots on the surface are reflections from photo lighting.
Mirror Black
The Mirror Black Glaze was first formulated by Ben Owen Sr. while working with Jacques and Juliana Busbee at Jugtown Pottery, and, continued to be used at Ben Owen Pottery by all three Bens. The glaze includes a mixture of iron, manganese, and, cobalt as pigments. Depending on the firing process, this glaze can reveal many variations from solid black to black with rust to khaki tones.
This glaze is fired in a reduction atmosphere through either a gas-fired or wood-fired process. In a gas-fired reduction kiln, the color will remain solid black or break to rust tones on the rim and/or edges of carvings. In a wood-fired reduction kiln, the glaze color will develop into our Teadust or Frogskin. These two glazes develop as a result of the natural bleaching properties in the minerals of the wood ash or the overlapping effect of the ash on top of the applied black glaze.
This piece is hand-signed by Ben Owen III with the year made (2026).