This original, hand-thrown fine art vase stands as a commanding testament to the raw, element-driven alchemy of the alternative raku process. Pulled from the roaring kiln at a glowing heat of nearly 1,600°F, the unglazed porcelain-white clay body immediately became a canvas for the artist’s choreography with fire. Coarse strands of natural horsehair seared instantly upon contact with the clay, leaving a striking, high-contrast web of fine, charcoal-black carbon trails that elegantly wrap around the swelling belly of the vessel.
Interspersed among the hair lines are bold, dramatic plumes of rich black carbon, permanently smoke-embossed into the clay from real feathers consumed in the flash of heat. The elegant, elongated profile of this 7 1/4" tall vase beautifully catches the light, making it a singular, unrepeatable statement piece that balances primitive texturing with a sleek, contemporary 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.
