Bottles have been a favorite form for Ben III to create on the potter’s wheel. The combed lines along the vase are influenced by nature, as Ben often gathers inspiration from the world around him. Mysterious microcrystals have formed within the glaze during the wood firing process. A beautiful green tint speckled across the black background creates an ethereal quality. A one-of-a-kind piece to be enjoyed for years to come. Measuring 6.75"w x 13.25"h.
Please Note: What appear to be white spots on the surface are reflections from photo lighting.
Teadust Microcrystalline
Teadust is a glaze that Chinese potters created while accidentally over-firing earthenware red pots and melting the clay into a puddle. With experimentation, these potters eventually developed glazes from testing these ingredients to produce a black glaze. Today, Ben has developed his own versions of a black glaze with the addition of iron, calcium, and magnesium oxide. While researching about slow cooling processes after the firing in the wood kiln, he found small proxyene crystals would form on his pots that had a mustard yellow to green color. A satin to matte finish is created from the crystals on the surface. If it is allowed to cool quickly the finish will be a solid glossy black. If it was placed in a salt-firing atmosphere it would be olive green (Frogskin).
This piece is hand-signed by Ben Owen III with the year made (2026).