Melon Genie Bottle 10.5" Chinese Red by Ben Owen III

       Bottles are traditional forms that were originally created for the strict purpose of containment.  Today, bottle forms are appreciated for their delicate decorative shapes which contrast their organic, primal feel.  This Carved Bottle is a classic form made by Ben Owen III and influenced by early Asian forms made during the Tang Dynasty.  The melon design is inspired by gourds and similar shapes from the garden.  The thicker application of the glaze reveals a rich color and texture. 

   Chinese Red has become one of Ben III’s signature glazes over the past 35 years.  Ben’s father, Ben Wade Owen Jr., developed the glaze after many customers requested a red finish.  Chinese Red was not produced by Ben’s grandfather, Ben Owen Sr., although many of the forms that he studied early on in his career were shapes from China that included a red finish.  The red glaze is reminiscent of the old Chinese Red over glazes used in the 16th century and has worked well with Ben III’s simple Asian translations.  The red glazed pottery cannot be used for food or liquid due to the limitation of firing temperature.  If using for flowers, place a plastic cylinder or bowl inside the vessel to hold water.