Stoneware Vessel with Blue Salt Glaze
Ceramic; functional or decorative stoneware vessel (base view) • Attributed to a studio potter; the incised mark appears to be a monogram 'JS' or 'J' followed by the year '195' (likely 1995). Requires further research into local studio pottery registries.
Style & Movement
Contemporary Studio Pottery / American Craft Movement
Medium & Technique
Wheel-thrown or hand-built stoneware; likely salt-glazed or high-fired gas reduction with blue cobalt-additive slip; incised signature and date in leather-hard clay.
Creation Period
1995 (dated)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated diameter of base: 3 - 5 inches; Circular format
Subject Description
Abstract/functional ceramic vessel. The underside reveals a buff-colored, textured clay body with iron speckling and a thick, pooled blue glaze at the edge. The incised mark indicates a personal hand-crafted origin.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; showing typical shelf wear on the unglazed foot ring and minor surface scuffing to the clay body.
Estimated Market Value
$40 - $150 (Variable based on identification of the specific studio artist)
Auction Estimate
$30 - $80
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired directly from a craft fair, studio sale, or local gallery. The date 1995 suggests a late 20th-century provenance.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of the mid-90s studio pottery movement, which emphasized the visibility of the maker's hand and the exploration of atmospheric firing techniques like salt or soda glazing.
Notable Features
Distinctive cobalt-blue glaze pooling near the base; 'JS' monogram and '1995' date clearly incised into the clay; iron-rich 'speckle' within the stoneware body indicating a rustic, high-fire finish.
Condition Issues
Visible surface abrasions on the unglazed base (kiln wash remnants or shelf wear); minor glaze drips near the foot; no immediate cracks or major chips visible on the bottom surface.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a stable environment; clean only with mild soap and water; avoid abrasive cleaners on the glazed surfaces.