98. Kari Wojtanik, tall pit-fired narrow-mouthed pot

 98. Kari Wojtanik, tall pit-fired narrow-mouthed pot

 

For Wojtanik, see item 91; for more on her pit-firing techniques, see item 100.

White clay, colors from pit-firing. Weight: 858 g (1.9 lb). Rim diameter: 2.7 cm (1-1/8 in); maximum diameter: 10 cm (4 in); base diameter: 4.7 cm (1-7/8 in). Height: 24.5 cm (9-3/4 in).

This sits directly on the flat base. From the base, the walls angle outward in a straight line to a height of 6.5 cm (2-1/2 in). From there they move upward in a continuous convex arc to the neck. The maximum diameter lies 15 cm (6 in) above the base. The neck is 2 cm (7/8 in) in diameter and is 23.2 cm (9-1/4 in) from the base. From the neck, the walls angle outward in a straight line to the rim. The surface of the pot is mostly smooth, with a few rough spots. The pot is stable on its base if left undisturbed. Its high center of gravity, however, means that it would tip over easily.

The colors—black, grays, reds, copper, yellow—come from the pit-firing. In a few spots, the white clay is visible. The interior of the pot is white and was not affected by the fumes from the firing.

A magical work. It has the rich and varied colors and the patina pots acquire after centuries of burial.

Purchased from the artist in May 2020.