{"product_id":"melon-teapot-in-stardust-blue-8h-ben-owen-iii","title":"Melon Teapot in Stardust Blue, 8\"h (Ben Owen III)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e   An exceptional example of Ben Owen III's Stardust Blue Matte Micro-Crystalline glaze!  This unique teapot design is directly influenced by Ben III’s time spent studying traditional ceramic art in Japan.  Ben only makes this style of teapot occasionally due to the time and process to make the post-and-lintel handle.   \u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e   Fully functional, this teapot is safe for steeping tea leaves and serving into your favorite cup or mug.  \u003cem\u003eBe sure to temper the teapot\u003c\/em\u003e before adding hot water to steep the tea leaves.  \u003cem\u003eDo not place the teapot directly on the stovetop as heat shock will occur\u003c\/em\u003e.  \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eT\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ehe teapot must be tempered prior to use to allow the clay particles to warm and expand before exposure to boiling water.  Dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Measuring 7”l to tip of spout x 5.25”w x 8”h to top of handle. \u003cbr\u003ePlease note: What appear to be white spots on the surface are reflections from photo lighting.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStardust Blue\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e   Ben developed this Stardust Blue glaze over a two-year period as he experimented extensively with matte-crystal growth science.  Ben uses his personal air-brush technique to apply up to 6 layers of specifically formulated glazes to achieve this finish.  The firing phase of glaze development takes place in a carefully planned and meticulously monitored process.  Ben fires the kiln up, holding specific temperatures as the kiln climbs to 2300 degrees F.  He fires the kiln down with equal attention as he stalls temperatures at specific levels to enhance cobalt crystal growth.  Ben's Stardust glaze displays an understated matte crystal finish, unlike the shiny crystalline pottery that several NC potters offer.  Finally pleased with the outcome of his glaze development in 2012, Ben began selling matte crystalline glazed work to customers in his Seagrove area pottery shop.  Stardust Blue glaze was named when a client who worked as a scientist with the Hubble Space Telescope mentioned that the glaze reminded her of actual stardust.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis piece is hand-signed by Ben Owen III with the year made (2026).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ben Owen Pottery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67602311643191,"sku":"Ben Owen III","price":475.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0263\/8692\/3575\/files\/9271949F-D2F8-4D35-8138-4FD440F676C0_1_201_a.heic?v=1791406721","url":"https:\/\/store.benowenpottery.com\/products\/melon-teapot-in-stardust-blue-8h-ben-owen-iii","provider":"Ben Owen Pottery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}