This original, hand-thrown fine art vase features a striking, full-bodied spherical profile that serves as an expansive canvas for the dramatic alchemy of raku firing. Pulled directly from the kiln while glowing at a peak temperature of nearly 1,600°F, the hot white clay body was immediately decorated using natural horsehair and real feathers. The horsehair instantly seared into the unglazed surface, leaving a complex network of delicate, wandering carbon lines that accentuate the roundness of the form.
Dominating the swelling contours of the vessel are bold, expressive plumes of rich black carbon—permanent smoke silhouettes captured in the split second of contact with burning feathers. The wide, balanced 5"x5" proportions give this piece a grounded, substantial presence, beautifully contrasting primitive carbon texturing with a clean, modern silhouette.
Provenance
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Artist: Zane Kuhle (Zane Artworks)
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Origin: Hand-built and fired at the artist’s studio in Palm Harbor, Florida, USA.
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Authentication: Signed and certified with the artist's unique maker's mark permanently impressed into the footer of the wet clay prior to bisque firing.
Collector's Care Instructions
Because raku pottery is an alternative, low-fire technique, the clay remains porous and unglazed. Please follow these museum-quality conservation guidelines to ensure its longevity:
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Display: This vessel is intended strictly for decorative art display. It is not water-tight and cannot hold liquids.
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Cleaning: To dust or clean the surface, use a dry, soft microfiber cloth or a soft-bristled brush. Never submerge the piece in water, apply liquid cleaners, or use abrasive detergents, as moisture can alter the delicate smoke patterns embedded in the clay.
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Environment: Display the piece indoors away from prolonged, intense direct sunlight and extreme humidity fluctuations to preserve the purity of the natural carbon contrast.
