Studio Ceramic Vase - Hand-Painted

Ceramic · Late 20th Century

Provenance & Details

• Origin: Studio pottery, United States
• Date: Circa 1980s–1990s
• Material: Hand-thrown ceramic with hand-painted matte surface
• Technique: Wheel-thrown form; painted slip and mineral-based pigments
• Finish: Matte exterior; unglazed interior
• Markings: Hand-signed on base by the maker
• Dimensions: Approximately 9.5 in tall × 3 in wide at the widest point
• Condition: Vintage; minor surface variation consistent with handmade studio work

Description

This hand-painted ceramic vase originates from an independent studio practice in the late 20th century, a period marked by renewed interest in expressive surface design and the intersection of functional form with graphic language.

The vessel is wheel-thrown and finished by hand, then painted with broad fields of muted mauve interrupted by black and cream linework. The decoration is applied directly to the clay surface rather than transferred or printed, resulting in subtle variation across the body—visible brush movement, soft edges, and tonal shifts that clearly reflect the human hand.

The form is intentionally sculptural, with a narrow neck and rounded body that allows the painted imagery to wrap continuously around the surface. The interior is left unglazed, a practical and stylistic choice common to studio ceramics of the era, reinforcing that the piece was made for use as well as display.

The underside bears the maker’s signature, preserved as found. While the artist remains unidentified, the marking provides a direct point of provenance—evidence of authorship rather than branding. The piece reflects a moment when ceramics occupied a space between domestic object and visual art, intended to live within a home without requiring explanation.

Packaging & Care

The vase will be wrapped and shipped with care, resting on a vintage handkerchief to protect its surface during transit. Packaging is intentionally minimal and considered, reflecting the nature of the piece itself.