Studio Ceramics Appraisal

Studio Pottery Bowl by Jack Lake

This item is a ceramic art bowl, distinctively crafted with an organic and tactile surface. The primary color appears to be an off-white or cream, possibly a natural clay body color or a light-colored glaze. The exterior of the bowl is adorned with incised lines that form a repetitive, wave-like or feather-like pattern, creating a textured visual and tactile experience. These incised lines reveal a darker earthen tone beneath the lighter surface, suggesting a sgraffito-like technique or simply the natural color of the clay body contrasted with a slipped or glazed surface. The interior of the bowl, while not fully visible, seems to have a smoother, possibly glazed finish, as suggested by the central circular foot ring on the underside. The foot ring itself is flat and unglazed, revealing the raw clay, but the main body of the underside within this ring appears to be glazed. The overall form is rounded, suggesting a functional bowl shape, although its artistic treatment points to it being primarily a decorative or art piece. Visible condition issues are minimal from this perspective; there are no obvious chips or cracks. The slight variations in the consistency of the incised lines and the subtle irregularities in the surface finish point to a handcrafted item, indicating good quality craftsmanship. The underside of the bowl prominently features two sets of markings. One is a handwritten signature in what appears to be a medium brown pigment or glaze, 'Jack Lake'. Above this signature, another mark is present, consisting of two stylized characters, possibly initials 'E F' or a unique artist's cipher, also incised or drawn into the clay. The style of the signature and the organic, earthy aesthetic suggest a mid-20th century to contemporary period of creation, likely from the latter half of the 20th century or early 21st century, firmly placing it within a modern or studio pottery context.