Contemporary editions, 2018

Made from dark clay, rich in manganese and iron oxides and grogged with small particles to give the clay body strength and texture. Both pots are thrown on the wheel and then carved and covered in porcelain slip. The decoration is made through carving both before the application of the porcelain slip and with incision, through the thickly applied slip surface. The porcelain is applied using a rugged brush when the slip is still quite sticky and wet but not liquid and was originally intended to ensure that the white slip stayed on the pot during the firing as potters discoved that dipping pots in smooth liquid white slip meant that during the firing the slip would occassionally come off the surface. This later became a sought after aesthetic, during the Choson period in Korea and became known as 'Buncheong' ware in contrast to the porcelain that was produced at the time. When the Japanese invaded Korea and kidnapped both potters, pots and techniques this was a traditional technique, called Hakeme, that was greatly admired and became part of the Japanese repertoire in decorating wares.

Vase 1 dimensions: H 38cm x D 15cm I Vase 2 dimensions: H 33cm x D 20cm

About the artist:

A graduate of the Royal College of Art, Ian’s work explores a range of ideas using characters from mythology and literary sources. All work is thrown on the electric or kickwheel and is then carved or painted directly under and sometimes over the glaze, or left as bisque. His approach applies lustres and other glazes such as ash at lower temperatures.