Vintage Signed Studio Pottery Vase With Mushroom & Sang-De-Boeuf Glaze

Details

Description

A beautifully thrown vintage studio pottery vase with a sophisticated mushroom-toned glaze accented by dramatic passages of sang-de-boeuf copper red.

… Read more A beautifully thrown vintage studio pottery vase with a sophisticated mushroom-toned glaze accented by dramatic passages of sang-de-boeuf copper red.

The softly rounded vessel is predominantly glazed in warm mushroom, taupe and earthy neutral tones, creating a quiet ground for the more expressive glaze effects. Rich oxblood and burgundy-red passages emerge across portions of the surface, accompanied by darker mottling and scattered iron-like spotting. Rather than covering the vessel, the sang-de-boeuf acts as a striking accent, giving the restrained form an unexpected burst of color and depth.

The contrast between the subdued neutral glaze and the fluid copper-red passages is particularly effective, emphasizing the unpredictable character of the firing and allowing the surface to change as the vase is turned.

Sang-de-boeuf, or “oxblood,” originated as a celebrated Chinese copper-red glaze tradition and became an important area of experimentation among 20th-century studio potters. Copper-red glazes require careful control of glaze chemistry and kiln atmosphere, with variations in firing capable of producing tones ranging from brilliant red and burgundy to darker, more muted passages.

The vase appears to date to the late 20th century, probably the 1980s, and is individually hand-signed on the underside. The freely incised signature appears to read “DR,” with a small hand-drawn fish motif beneath. The potter remains unidentified.

A handsome and highly individual piece of late-20th-century studio ceramics, combining a restrained modern form with a complex, beautifully varied glaze surface.
Condition: Good vintage condition with variations and irregularities inherent to the handmade vessel and firing process. Please review photographs for the most complete assessment of condition.

Period: Late 20th century, probably 1980s
Material: Glazed stoneware
Glaze: Mushroom/taupe glaze with sang-de-boeuf copper-red and flambé effects
Signature: Hand-incised “DR” (probable reading) with small hand-drawn fish motif; artist unidentified See less