This mug in Cobalt and Salt Glazes is a traditional form of Ben’s family. A perfect addition to your morning routine of coffee or tea. Dishwasher & Microwave Safe. Measuring 5" l x 3.5”w x 4.25”h. Holds approximately 12oz. Please Note: What appear to be white spots on the surface are reflections from photo lighting.
You can find the traditional forms and shapes of Ben Owen Sr. pottery wares in The Tableware Collection at Ben Owen lll Pottery. This line highlights shapes and forms made in a traditional Owen style of the early 1900’s folk pottery of North Carolina as well as influences from Asia. This traditional collection has been continued by several potters who have worked at Ben Owen Pottery since the 1960’s. The current line is made by potter Elizabeth McAdams, who works as a studio assistant and retail manager for Ben Owen Pottery.
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.
The Yellow Matte Glaze was created with the intention of designing 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.
Works are stamped with the Ben Owen Pottery stamp and initialed with EM.