Studio Ceramic Tray - Slab-Built

Ceramic · Late 20th Century

Provenance & Details

• Origin: Studio pottery, United States
• Date: Circa 1980s–1990s
• Material: Hand-formed ceramic
• Technique: Slab-built form with brushed slip decoration
• Finish: Satin glaze with visible brushwork and firing variation
• Base: Flat slab with kiln marks consistent with studio production
• Dimensions: Approximately 8.75 in × 5.75 in
• Condition: Vintage; surface variation consistent with handmade ceramics

Description

This rectangular ceramic tray was produced in a late 20th-century studio pottery context, when functional forms were frequently treated as surfaces for gestural mark-making. The piece is slab-built rather than wheel-thrown, giving it a grounded, architectural presence.

The surface is finished with brushed slip decoration applied in sweeping, deliberate strokes. The marks remain visible beneath the glaze, preserving the movement of the hand rather than obscuring it. Subtle variations in tone and density occur across the surface as a result of firing, reinforcing the tray’s one-of-a-kind character.

The form is intentionally simple—low-profile, rectangular, and unadorned—allowing the surface work to remain the focal point. Designed for everyday use, the tray is well-suited to holding personal objects while maintaining a visual presence when left empty.

Packaging & Care

The tray will be shipped in premium protective packaging and rests on a vintage handkerchief to cushion and protect the ceramic surface during transit. Presentation is understated and considered, in keeping with the nature of the piece.