Raku-Fired Ceramic Lidded Box
Other (Decorative Arts / Storage) · Contemporary Studio Pottery (late 20th to early 21st Century) · Individual studio potter (mark likely on the underside); style reminiscent of mid-to-late 20th-century American Raku movement.
Type
Other (Decorative Arts / Storage)
Style Period
Contemporary Studio Pottery (late 20th to early 21st Century)
Material
Raku-fired clay (ceramic), metallic oxides for glaze, and a dark wooden or resin spherical finial
Age Estimate
Circa 1980–2010 based on glaze chemistry and form.
Dimensions
Height: 5-6 inches (including finial); Width: 8 inches; Depth: 8 inches. Slightly larger than a standard jewelry box.
Origin
Likely North American studio craft, popular in the Pacific Northwest and Southwest regions.
Designer/Maker
Individual studio potter (mark likely on the underside); style reminiscent of mid-to-late 20th-century American Raku movement.
Value Estimate
Retail/Market Value: $150–$350 depending on the prominence of the potter's mark.
Description
A striking square-form ceramic vessel featuring a classic post-firing reduction luster. The slightly domed lid is adorned with stylized organic leaf patterns and a contrasting black finial. Its iridescent surface shifts from bronze to violet depending on light, capturing the wabi-sabi aesthetic of controlled imperfection.
Key Features
Raku crackle glaze, metallic luster finish, turquoise leaf impressions, and square geometric slab construction.
Color & Finish
Iridescent earth tones with copper/gold metallic lusters and turquoise-green leaf motifs. Note the 'crackle' glaze effect from thermal shock.
Construction Method
Handmade/Artisan-made using slab-built ceramic techniques and rapid-cooling Raku firing process
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Ceramic slab joinery with beveled edges; lid is custom-fitted to the base using an interior flange or lip.
Wood Grain & Species
Not applicable to body; finial appears to be a tight-grained hardwood like ebony or stained maple.
Surface Treatment
Low-fire salt or metallic oxide glaze with post-firing reduction (smoking) to create carbon-infused crackle lines.
Upholstery Details
None
Hardware & Fittings
Single spherical finial/knob attached to the center of the lid, likely wood or matte-finished resin.
Origin & Provenance
Likely North American studio craft, popular in the Pacific Northwest and Southwest regions.
Condition Notes
Very Good; the crackle is intentional to the firing process, though small chips may be present at the sharp corners of the lid and base.
Interesting Facts
Traditional Raku was developed in 16th-century Japan for tea ceremonies, but the Western 'flash' cooling method used here was popularized by Paul Soldner in the 1960s.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Studio Craft Movement' where functional objects are elevated to fine art through experimental chemistry and firing techniques.
Similar Pieces
Japanese Tea Caddies (thinner, more minimalist) or Pit-fired pottery (matte, no luster). Identify by the specific metallic sheen and heavy crackle.
Care & Maintenance
Hand-wash only; avoid high heat. Raku is porous and not typically food-safe or waterproof due to the low firing temperature and crackle.
Value Estimate
Retail/Market Value: $150–$350 depending on the prominence of the potter's mark.
Sustainability Notes
Handmade artisan piece with high durability and low industrial footprint, though Raku firing involves significant smoke emissions.