1990s Small Ray West Studio Crystalline-Glazed Porcelain Bowl

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This exquisite small porcelain bowl is a one-of-a-kind creation from Ray West Studio, showcasing the artist’s signature mastery of crystalline … Read more This exquisite small porcelain bowl is a one-of-a-kind creation from Ray West Studio, showcasing the artist’s signature mastery of crystalline glaze work. Hand-thrown in the Southern Sierra on private land within what is now Sequoia National Monument, the piece reflects the serenity and raw beauty of its environment.

The bowl features a deep, luminous blue crystalline glaze—high-fire, fluid, and visually dynamic. Distinct crystal formations bloom across the surface like frost patterns, starbursts, or abstract flora, giving the piece an organic, celestial presence. These unique crystal structures emerge only through precise glaze application and a meticulously controlled firing schedule. Each firing involves an intentionally designed temperature “dance,” made possible by the artist’s rebuilt, electronically controlled commercial kiln—engineered specifically to support these specialized glazes.

Ray West experiments with new glaze formulas and techniques in every work cycle, selecting finishes that evoke elements of the natural world—from cosmic expanses to the delicate lichens found on Sierra granite. This bowl’s high-gloss crystalline surface embodies that vision: reflective, richly colored, and alive with depth.

A collectible example of contemporary studio pottery, this bowl stands as both functional art and a testament to the technical discipline required by crystalline glazing. No two pieces are ever alike, making this a rare and beautiful addition to any curated ceramic or art collection. See less