Uwharrie Crystalline Vase in Cobalt Blue
Ceramic, decorative art; porcelain vessel • Uwharrie Crystalline Pottery (Founded by William 'Bill' Crumm and/or associated potters in North Carolina)
Style & Movement
Contemporary American Craft / Studio Pottery; North Carolina Pottery tradition
Medium & Technique
Porcelain body with crystalline glaze; high-fired with a specific cooling cycle to allow zinc-silicate crystals to grow within the zinc-saturated glaze. Often involves cobalt oxide for the blue coloration.
Creation Period
Late 20th to Early 21st Century (Circa 1990-present)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 5 to 7 inches in height; round, three-dimensional vessel format
Subject Description
Non-representational; a globular vase with a flared rim. The surface is decorated with naturally occurring macrocrystalline structures that resemble flower-like or snowflake-type patterns suspended in a deep blue vitreous matrix.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; appears structurally sound with a glossy surface finish typical of glass-dense glazes.
Estimated Market Value
$40 - $85 USD
Auction Estimate
$25 - $50 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired directly from the studio in Seagrove/Uwharrie region of North Carolina or a specialized craft gallery. Private collection.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of the technical mastery involved in crystalline glazing, a high-risk ceramic technique. It fits within the broader context of the North Carolina pottery region, which is historically significant for American ceramic arts and studio craft movements.
Notable Features
The distinctive blue macro-crystals are unique to this specific firing; no two pieces are identical due to the random nature of crystal growth at high temperatures.
Condition Issues
Potential for minor 'pitting' or small pinholes in the glaze (inherent to the firing process); shelf wear on the unglazed foot ring.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep stationary on a stable surface. Dust with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid exposure to extreme temperature changes which can cause thermal shock to the thick crystalline glaze.
Collector Notes
Uwharrie Crystalline Pottery