{"product_id":"melon-bottle-in-cobalt-and-ash-glazes-8-5h-ben-owen-iii","title":"Melon Bottle in Cobalt and Ash Glazes, 8.5\"h (Ben Owen III)","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e   Bottles are traditional forms that were originally created for the strict purpose of containment.  Today, bottle forms are appreciated for their delicate decorative shapes which contrast their organic, primal feel.  This Genie Bottle is a classic form made by Ben Owen III.  Influenced by early Asian forms made during the Tang Dynasty and gourd shapes from nature.  The cobalt pigments blended with the naturally-formed Salt and Ash Glaze create a completely individualistic finish.   Measuring 5.5\"w x 8.5”h.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePlease Note: What appear to be white spots on the surface are reflections from photo lighting.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSalt Glaze\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e    Salt Glaze was first discovered by German potters in the late 14\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csup data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e 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 19\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csup data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e century in the Seagrove area.  Many of the pieces Ben makes in Salt Glaze are functional, even the more decorative large-scale pots.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYellow Matte\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e   The inspiration behind the Yellow Matte Glaze was to create a smooth, “soft” surface on the pots that would be a change from the glossy finishes typical in the Owen family of glazes.  From looking at surfaces created during the wood firing process, Ben wanted to recreate a similar surface but with the option to make it uniform or add an accent by spraying on the clay surface.  The yellow pigment is made from iron oxide and the matte finish is created from the use of magnesium and strontium in the glaze.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCobalt Blue\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e   The Cobalt Blue glaze has been used by the Owen family for over four generations.  Early salt glaze wares made in the late 1800s were decorated with a cobalt blue glaze over the grey salt finish.  Over the past 50 years, Ben Owen Pottery has made some cobalt-glazed pieces using a uniform coating of the glaze on the surface of the pots.  Today, Ben uses a glaze similar to the older, original glaze.  This newer Cobalt Blue is glossy and reveals a depth to the finish.  Sometimes, the Cobalt Blue is used to accentuate pieces that are fired in the wood kiln.  These are called multi-layered glazes. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis piece is hand-signed by Ben Owen III with the year made (2023).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ben Owen Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40131806363703,"sku":"Ben Owen III","price":165.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0263\/8692\/3575\/products\/IMG_1628.jpg?v=1680031495","url":"https:\/\/store.benowenpottery.com\/products\/melon-bottle-in-cobalt-and-ash-glazes-8-5h-ben-owen-iii","provider":"Ben Owen Pottery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}