A Feast of Modern Ceramics Baked to Perfection are Coming Up on Bidsquare
Contributed by Jessica Helen Weinberg, Sr. Content Editor at Bidsquare
14 January 2019
When a potter opens their glaze kiln, after several days of waiting, a great many findings can occur. Color combinations that should have gone one way can easily go another, hairline cracks can split into the width of a peace sign "V" and runny glazes may seal the fate of a beloved vessel by bonding it to the kiln's shelf. That is why, when pots are unloaded, many makers go silent with anxious optimism, having already come to terms with the hoops and hurdles that their process can present.
This month, Bidsquare.com has the pleasure of hosting Rago's Modern Ceramics & Glass auction on January 20th. This sensational catalog is a feast of forms, textures and techniques. In the clay category, one can enjoy all levels of refinement, from heavenly celadons to earthenware 'Frog Cream Puff' conceptions.
The following five selections were most likely met with a smirk when they were lifted out of their clay ovens, baked to perfection and saying so much.
James Lovera expertly demonstrated the beauty of glaze behavior in this volcanic vase. By developing an intimate knowledge of application and firing time, through decades of trial and error, Lovera's pots have landed in a highly desirable position. Lovera left just enough room at the bottom of this form for his lava-like glaze to melt down and elegantly stop short. Any further and this vase would have been stuck to the shelf - masterful control and intention are at play. Known for his deep, porous surfaces and thin throws, Rago strongly represents the Californian ceramicist in Lot 2053, Lot 2054, Lot 2055 and Lot 2056.
Fine carved celadon vase with peaches on branch on stand, Stevens, PA, 1992; Estimate $3,000-$4,000
Contemporary artist Cliff Lee, who originally studied medicine and led a successful career as a neurosurgeon before dedicating his life to pottery, has captured the attention of several prestigious ceramic collections. Lee's intricate hand carving skills and renowned reputation for re-creating Chinese Song and Ming dynasty glazes has mystified collectors since the early 90s. This auction offers eight works by Lee, some cloaked in crystalline glazes and others in Imperial yellow, oxblood and celadon luster. His work has been purchased by the Renwick Gallery, Mint Museum of Craft + Design, Racine Art Museum and the White House Collection of American Crafts.
There are some ceramics that make one instantly think, "That's so mid-century!" During its prominence, studio pottery cultivated aesthetics much like those seen in the works of artists such as Harrison McIntosh. McIntosh prolifically created rustic, nearly unbreakable works that blend perfect proportions with matte glaze patterns. Rago presents twenty pieces by McIntosh from covered jars, vases, bowls, plates and sculptures - all displaying one-of-a-kind graphic designs. Harrison McIntosh's works can be found in over 40 museums worldwide, from the Louvre to the Smithsonian.
Early pillow pitcher, Tang-style glaze, New York, 1970s; Estimate $2,000-$3,000
Elizabeth "Betty" Woodman launched her ceramic career in the 1950s as a production potter and gained recognition in the 70s. Notable elements in Woodman's works include colorful, painterly glaze strokes and striking forms inspired by the ancient world. As seen in Lot 2113, Woodman's "pillow pitcher" is a nod to Egyptian, Greek and Etruscan sculpture, as well as Italian architecture and Chinese glazes via her use of a Tang dynasty palette. Betty Woodman’s works can be found in the collections of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, The Museum of Modern Art in New York, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, among others. Rago's catalog features six lots from the American icon, two of which are groupings of three pieces in one lot.
Small vase, fine multi-color iridescent glaze, Ojai, CA, 1980s; Estimate $1,000-$1,500
If the kiln that fired Beatrice Wood's pots happened to be struck by a beam of sunlight during the unloading process, one would think they discovered a glowing portal of treasure. Known for her iridescent surfaces as well as her extraordinary life, Beatrice Wood started her ceramic career at the age of 40, having had endeavors in painting, drawing, writing and theatre. As a potter, Wood focused much of her energy to the study of luster glazing techniques and understood the vessel as fine art, opposed to functional ware - this conceptual tutoring was relayed while briefly studying with master potters Getrud and Otto Natzler, whose works are also amply available in this sale. There are six lots by Beatrice Wood up for grabs including two drawings and a self-portrait painting.
Register to bid live, online for all five of Rago's auctions coming up this month on Bidsquare: