Height 23 cm. Handmade. Wood Fired
This elegant small vase is crafted in the rich tradition of historical ash-glazed ceramics and fired to 1300°C, the upper limit of the ceramic temperature range. At this extreme heat, the clay becomes strong, fully vitreous, and exceptionally durable - a testament to both material mastery and firing expertise.
The surface features a natural ash glaze, flowing organically around the rounded form in deep blues, warm siennas, and soft ivory tones. These colors arise from a blend of natural ash and food-safe oxides, creating a unique pattern of drips and blooms where flame, ash, and heat interact.
Ash glazing has one of the oldest and most storied lineages in ceramics. Originating during the Shang Dynasty (c. 1500 B.C.), early potters discovered the technique accidentally: white-hot wood ash, pulled through the kiln’s draft, settled onto pots and melted into glass-like surfaces. Today, this historic process continues to captivate ceramic artists for its unpredictability and beauty.
This vase reflects the same appreciation for tactile firing marks and natural glazing celebrated by contemporary ceramic artist Beatričė Kelerienė. Its form and flowing ash patterns embody the timeless dialogue between clay and flame.
Because the glaze chemistry is determined by the particular ash, the fire path, and the intense atmosphere within the wood kiln, no two pieces can ever be replicated. This vase is a singular, exclusive artwork - both functional and collectible.