Low Profile Studio Ceramic Bowl with Partial Tenmoku Glaze
Ceramic; wheel-thrown stoneware vessel • Attributed to a regional American studio potter, possibly identified as 'Ken' based on owner's mark information; likely a Texas-based (TX) artisan.
Style & Movement
Studio Pottery / Modernism; influenced by the Anglo-Japanese Mingei tradition and Mid-Century Modern functionalism.
Medium & Technique
Stoneware with reactive tenmoku (iron-rich) black glaze and a single partial dip of cream-colored matte glaze over an unglazed or lightly slipped exterior section; wheel-thrown with visible concentric ribbing on the exterior.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century to Early 21st Century (c. 1980–2010)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 10–12 inches in diameter, 2–3 inches in height; circular format.
Subject Description
A functional low-walled bowl or platter characterized by its stark contrast between a deep, glossy black interior and a rugged, light-colored textured exterior section. The design emphasizes the tactile nature of clay through 'throwing lines' and the interaction of chemical glazes during firing.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the glaze maintains a high luster with no visible chips, cracks, or significant crazing in the primary image.
Estimated Market Value
$75.00 – $150.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$50.00 – $100.00 USD
Provenance History
Acquired likely through a craft fair, studio sale, or regional gallery in Texas; bottom inscribed/marked 'Ken' and 'TX' as per owner's report.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of the late 20th-century American Studio Pottery movement, where the focus shifted from mass production to individual expression and the celebration of 'honest' materials and hand-made imperfections.
Notable Features
The distinctive 'dip' glaze technique on the rim creates a visual break in the symmetry, a hallmark of modern studio ceramics intending to highlight the potter's process.
Condition Issues
Possible minor shelf wear on the foot ring (underside); slight glaze pitting typical of atmospheric kiln firing; no major structural failures noted.
Conservation Recommendations
Hand-wash only to preserve the glaze integrity; avoid acidic foods if using functionally as reactive glazes can sometimes leach or etch; display away from high-traffic edges.
Collector Notes
Possibly Ken? and TX on botton