Ceramic Vase

This Ceramic Vase is a 13 inch hand thrown porcelain vessel that was fired in the saggar technique. Saggar firing is a contemporary firing process that combines the traditions of Native American pit firing with the simplicity of the Japanese aesthetic.

There are two layers to the work. First, the soft, satin surface results from an ancient process called burnishing. This ceramic vase is burnished in the 'leather hard' stage with a river stone. The slow, steady rubbing unifies the clay particles, and compresses them. The smallest particles rise to the surface, creating a tight sheen that resembles a matt glaze. Once burnished, the ceramic vase is bisque fired and prepared for the saggar kiln.

The saggar firing of this ceramic vase provides the second layer of what you see. The ceramic vase is wrapped in a variety of organic material, such as sawdust, grasses, hay, corn husk, seaweed and wire. There is no glaze brushed or applied to the surface of the vessel. These natural materials work together in the alchemic firing process, some of which provide combustion, others provide mineral content.

As the saggar kiln heats up, the materials burn away and a soft vapor fume occurs on the surface of the ceramic vessel. The vessel started off white (the color of porcelain) and as you can see, the smoky surface is the result of this ancient firing. Saggar fired ceramic vases are not water tight and not designed to hold water. The soft, warm colors provide a beautiful natural palate, one that will blend nicely into any home.

Brenda McMahon
2242 Route 113 Greenwich, NY 12834
518.692.7742
Contact Brenda