The Distressed Onyx Form by Alex Roby is a wheel-thrown ceramic piece made from black stoneware with additional white stoneware slip decoration. The surface has been left raw to highlight the beauty of the clay body, featuring a subtle cracked texture from the application of sodium silicate during the throwing process. It is lined with a bronze glaze, creating juxtaposition from the rugged surface. Before the walls of the piece were pushed out, a tool was used repeatedly along the sides to make multiple tiny horizontal and diagonal lines, which enhanced the unique cracked texture.
The raw edge has been created by adding intentional breakage before the first firing. Each piece undergoes two firings; the first is a bisque where the piece gets heated to cone 04 (1950 ° F / 1100° C). The second is a glaze firing in which the piece is fired to cone 5 (2160 ° F / 1180° C) to reach vitrification, creating an airtight seal, making this vessel suitable for holding water, inspired by charred wood and techniques used from traditional Hakeme ceramics, originating in Korea, later introduced to Japan in the 17th century. This vessel is intended for decorative use only and can be styled on its own as a decorative object, with dried florals, or with a Japanese Kenzan for an Ikebana arrangement.
Handmade in Seattle, Washington by and independent female artist.
| Dimensions LxWxH | 16x16x11cm (6x6x4'') |
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| Weight (kg) | 1 |
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