TALL LIDDED JAR

© copyright The Artist

TALL LIDDED JAR 2001

Rupert Spira (1960 – )

Details

Dimension
HEIGHT 50 CM
Media
STONEWARE
Accession number
P7540

Summary

The work is thrown stoneware and fired in a gas reduction kiln. The glazes — white, black, copper red and celadon — are simple and seductive, with an intensity that emphasises the form of the object. Spira does not regard his work as precious, it is made to be used but for him function is simply part of the dialogue between maker and user.

Everything but …The British Council 2003

 

Glossary

  • Reduction

    Firing in a kiln where the supply of oxygen can be limited to prevent full combustion taking place. This will produce carbon monoxide which, if hot enough, will take oxygen from the metals present in both clay and glaze to produce effects totally different from those in oxidised firing. Coppers turn red, iron turns to green, and iron pyrites in clay gives a speckled appearance.

  • Stoneware

    One of the three major types of pottery, the others being earthenware and porcelain. A buff, gray or brown clay is mixed with other clays and ceramic materials to make a heavy, opaque, highly plastic clay body that is fired at a high temperature - above 1200ºC. It is in between earthenware and porcelain in its character. The term stoneware also refers to the clay body and objects made from it.