INKED ON

Illustrated is a combed slipware Oribe covered jar that was fired about a month ago now. The idea was simple as I have been trying to see how my Oribe, amber and soda blue glazes work on various forms and surfaces and so far the green (Oribe) isn't that far off from glazes used traditionally for historic and modern slipware. Perhaps the biggest difference in this covered jar is that it is thrown out of stoneware, black slipped and then a band of white is applied and then combed leading to a fairly familiar look but it is the adition of the B.C./ Prometheus finial that adds the biggest curveball to the pot. One feature of using this Oribe glaze over the slip is how dark and pronounced the combing looks appearing just a bit like it was inked on standing proud against the white slip.     

Like with many things I am trying to figure out where these finial/ knobs work and where they don't and it is likely with this piece that I walked right up to the line and moving forward will be more inclined to match a more traditional knob with a more traditional looking pot. I should say the lid fits well and the finial does its job just as was intended despite calling a fair amount of attention to itself in many ways like the jar itself is a large pedestal for the decorative addition that is less static and harmonious than a everyday, regular knob. You live, you learn with each and every pot.         

"You live and learn. At any rate you live." Douglas Adams