LARGE Crystalline Pottery Jar with Ancient Clam

Description

This large jar will make a statement in any home! This piece was made using a combination of glazes to get a beautiful silver and tan crystalline glaze that flows over a black glaze. This results in a nice streaking effect with subtle color changes. The finial is done by pairing an artifact from the sea (keeping with the Surfside Ceramics theme - get it!?) with a thrown lid. The finial is an actual fossilized clam that is estimated to be 40 million years old. The clams recrystallize and create calcite crystals inside the clam. This makes it look like a little monster or sea creature living on top of the vessel. These clams are RARE and EXPENSIVE, especially ones this nice. Additionally, this piece comes with a more traditional lid. This allows the person who gives this beautiful work a home to "dress it up or dress it down," depending on the occasion. The jar was thrown on the potter's wheel in our studio. The vessel is made from porcelain and is crystalline glazed. Just like in nature, when all the conditions are perfect, these crystals will grow at about 2000 degrees F. As a result of this uncommon and eye-catching technique, no two pieces will ever be the same and can never be exactly duplicated again. It is a challenging process that results requires many steps to ensure the pieces will be fired successfully. The failure rate with this technique is rather high, however when it goes right the results are spectacular! All our works are fired to cone 11 or 12, so they are fully vitrified and will hold water. The crystals are permanent and will not fade or change over time. The bottom of this piece has been polished smooth using a diamond tools to prevent any scratching on wood surfaces. All our works are signed by a family artist - "MacMillan" This piece measures about 15" tall by 9" wide.