• This piece is the first in a projected series of teapots based on a dragon theme.
• It is made of stoneware clay formed in the shape of a rattan basket adorned with dragon elements and whimsical features in the lid.
• The spherical shape of the teapot body was formed from two press mold clay halves created from a basket. A crown-like lid and dragon tail are sculpted to provide imaginative and humorous fairy-tale motifs.
• Color is applied by pearl opalescent lusters.
• Construction sequence:

  • Initially fired to cone 06.
  • Multicolored underglazes applied.
  • Fired again to cone 5/6.
  • Pearlescent and silver overglazes applied.
  • Refired to cone 018.
  • Crystal beads applied for cold finish.
• Exhibited at Maine College of Art 2009.
• Date: 2008.
• Size: 12.0" x 7.5" x 7.0".
• Available for purchase: Price $750.

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     ENLARGED VIEWS

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CREATIVE PROCESS

• The body of this stoneware clay teapot is fashioned after a woven rattan wedding basket.
• The bottom was cut from the prototype baske. A plaster mold, made from this template, was used to press mold two clay slabs. The slabs were laid into separate round bowls to retain their semispherical shape. After they were dried overnight, the two halves were joined together by score and slip technique to form the teapot body.
• The crown-like lid supplements the fairy-tale concept introduced with the dragon tail that was added.

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• The lid is carved and the handle extruded.
• The spout is wheel thrown.
• The several parts are assembled to complete the sculpting phase for this work.
• At this point, the piece is fired for the first time to cone 06.

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• After firing, coloration is applied using underglazes of purple, blue and fuchsia tints. Much of the glaze is rubbed off to expose the inherent texture of the underlying surface. This approach is intended to provide depth.
• Pearlescent overglazes will be applied after the next firing to achieve a pearl-like quality to the surface of the piece.
• The work is now prepared for its refiring a second time at cone 5/6.

 

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• After a successful second firing, silver luster is applied to the spout and the handle of the piece.
• The body is given a mother of pearl luster application.
• A third firing follows at cone 018.

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• Firing results in the appearance of faux silver handles and opal effect to the body.
• Antique crystal beads are added as cold finish to the crown and the lid to complete the piece.

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DETAILED VIEWS * 

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