A large, dramatic stoneware bowl by Harding Black (1912-2004) of San Antonio, Texas - widely regarded as the most celebrated Texas ceramist of his time. Black taught ceramics at the Witte Museum, spent decades researching and recreating historic Chinese glazes (oilspot and crackle among them), and his personal collection and archives are now housed at Baylor University.
This free-form, irregular triangular bowl is incised on the underside "Harding Black 1981." The interior carries a rich, flowing glaze - deep violet and plum breaking into turquoise, with a copper-red crystalline pool at the center - over a speckled tan stoneware body that is left unglazed on the outside. Three small felt pads on the base (visible in the photos) were on the piece when acquired.
Measurements: about 12.5 inches at the widest point, about 2.75 inches high. Weight: 15 pounds before packaging - a substantial, heavy piece that will be packed with great care.
Condition: excellent. No chips, cracks, crazing, or repairs. The dark speckling throughout is natural to the stoneware clay body.
One of a kind. When it's gone, it's gone.