A great lobed cup in Shino glaze. This cup was fired in a gas salt firing.
Please Note: What appear to be white spots on the surface are reflections from photo lighting. Measuring 3.75"l x 3.75”w x 4”h.
A similar glaze to Copper Penny, this shino has more peachy orange tones. is influenced by the amount of iron in the clay as well as the formula of the glaze. The range of color is dependent on the atmosphere of the firing in the kiln. During the early stages of firing, at 1600°F, we purposely control the furnace to burn inefficiently creating carbon inside the kiln. The reaction of carbon, over a period of several hours, with the iron in the clay will create warm tones in the glaze and iridescent or opalescent qualities to the surface. The presence of wood ash coming in contact with the glaze accentuates the glaze.
Salt Glaze was first discovered by German potters in the late 14th century. Due to the high firing temperatures, stoneware clays are required. The pieces can be handled and decorated with clay slips of many different colors, or, glazed partially with Cobalt Blue Glaze. The surface may resemble the texture of an orange peel. This was an early glaze used by settlers during the 19th century in the Seagrove area. Many of the pieces Ben makes in Salt Glaze are functional, even the more decorative large-scale pots.
This piece is hand-signed by Ben Owen III with the year made (2024).