Porcelain・5 Day Wood-fired

Taiwanese artist Liao Guo Hua’s mastery of his craft yields pots rich with personality. Smooth, clean throw lines draw his pots up or out, signifying stateliness or gravity, respectively, and each meticulous tilt of handle or spout adds to the individual narrative of the piece.

Tiny, but full of energy, this pot has been hit by molten wood ash in just such a way that it seems nearly abstract, a small cut away from one of Kandinsky’s larger canvases. There is a playfulness here as well, that follows the strokes of ash across the surface, and over the bowed finial. Near the handle, heavy ash fall is evidenced by drops of aqua green running towards the foot, like thickly applied paint, or running water.

Usage and care: Unglazed wood-fired pieces will season very slowly over time, though limited porosity allows for use of different tea types. The exterior of the teapot will deepen in color and develop a rich luster with use. Hand-wash only, without soap or detergent.

Approximate dimensions: 70mm tall, 70mm diameter, 120ml・Artist: 廖國華