Raku Fired Vase Appraisal

O'Hara Raku-Fired Art Pottery Vase

This is a small, hand-crafted art pottery vase, likely created using a raku firing technique, as indicated by the 'Raku' context. The vase features a bulbous body with a slightly tapered, unglazed base, rising to a narrower neck and a small, flaring rim. The primary color is a dark, almost black, glossy glaze that has developed a rich, textured surface with subtle variations. Drips of a lighter, brownish-green glaze are visible around the upper half, flowing downwards over the darker base glaze, creating an organic, artistic effect characteristic of raku firing, where glazes react dramatically to post-firing reduction. The unglazed lower portion reveals the raw, reddish-brown clay body, which appears somewhat coarse. The surface shows some slight irregularities and imperfections, which are typical of handmade pottery and especially common in raku, contributing to its unique character rather than detracting from its appeal. The overall impression is rustic yet sophisticated, showcasing the spontaneous beauty of the raku process. The vase is small, suitable for a single stem or a sparse arrangement, as seen with the dried reeds currently placed within it. Given the context 'O’Hara Raku no lead', it suggests the artist is O'Hara and that the piece is lead-free.