Blue Slipped and Dented Rutile Bud Vase
Blue Slipped and Dented Rutile Bud Vase
This handmade ceramic bud vase has a softly rounded form that has been intentionally altered with a deep indentation along one side, giving the piece an organic, sculptural character. Blue slip beneath the glaze follows the contours of the altered surface, while the glaze flows and gathers around the indentation, creating a beautiful sense of movement through the blues, lavender, and warm earthy tones.
Standing 5.5 inches tall, this little vase has a graceful silhouette while retaining the tactile, expressive quality of handmade pottery. The combination of the altered form and flowing glaze makes it an interesting little piece to display with flowers or simply enjoy on its own.
Details
The vase stands approximately 5.5" tall and measures about 2.75" across the lip. At the widest part of the shoulder it's about 3.75", and the base is 2.5" wide. The inner opening at the neck is about 1.5" across at the smallest point, small enough for a single bud while having room for a small bouquet.
Use
Designed for displaying a few favorite flowers or individual stems, these bud vases are especially nice for small, loose arrangements, garden cuttings, or a single dramatic bloom. They can also be enjoyed simply as decorative objects – their compact size makes them easy to tuck onto a shelf, bedside table, desk, or other small space.
Process
This vase was wheel-thrown from Sonoran White stoneware. The exterior was coated in a layer of blue slip (a blend of clay, water and blue stain). While it was still wet, a dent was added into the rounded shoulder of the vase, and a few dots of blue slip were added near the top of the dented shape.
After drying and bisque firing, the vase was glazed using Goldspot glaze on the interior. Rutile glaze was used on the exterior, with a little extra glaze was added to the indentation to encourage the glaze to drip. It was fired to cone 10 in reduction, a high-temperature atmospheric firing (around 2350° F) that produces the unique shifts and movement in the glaze.










This handmade ceramic pedestal bowl combines a generous, gently curved bowl with a sturdy raised foot, giving it a low, sculptural profile. Deep blue and purple tones cover the exterior, with subtle variations and flashes of lighter color that become especially apparent as the surface catches the light. Inside, the glaze opens up into warm golden-brown tones, creating a beautiful contrast with the darker exterior.
At 9 inches across and 4 1/4 inches tall, this is a substantial bowl with plenty of presence on a table or shelf. The wide, open form makes it feel both functional and sculptural – a piece that can be enjoyed for its beautiful surface even when it's not in use.
Details
This bowl measures a bit over 9" across the rim, and it stands 4.25" tall. At the base of the foot, it measures 6" across. The foot accounts for about 1.25" of the bowls total height.
Use
The generous size and wide, open shape make this pedestal bowl wonderfully versatile. Use it as a serving bowl for salads, fruit, snacks, or other foods, or as a decorative bowl for displaying seasonal objects, flowers, or other treasures. Its raised foot gives it a little extra presence, making it especially nice as a centerpiece or focal point on a table, counter, or shelf.