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Early Ceramic Vase with Honan Glaze by Brother Thomas Bezanson

Creator: Brother Thomas Bezanson
Offered by: Tishu

Description
An early ceramic vase of cylinder form by potter Brother Thomas Bezanson (1929-2007). The minimalistic silouette that tapers toward the top and with a small flat rim mouth is striking. What extraordinary about this piece is the complex "Honan tenmoku" glaze Bezanson applied on the surface. The various shades of deep brown provide a playground for mottled iridescent grey and black. The abstract glaze pattern creates a harmonious effect with the form and appears modern rooted in antiquity reference, the signature of the artist's work. The vase was marked on the base with the potter's decipher as shown. The decipher indicates that this vase was made in Weston VT circa 1970-1980. Together with two other vases in our collection with the similar glaze, it showcases the highly sophisticated glaze techniques Bezanson mastered and used fluidly in his ceramic work.

Brother Thomas Bezanson (1929-2007) was a Canadian born artist and Benedictine monk primarily known for his porcelain pottery and mastery of complex glazes. Strongly influenced by Asian pottery, often adapting traditional Chinese and Japanese pottery methods and materials to his work. He is renowned for his original glaze recipes and perfect forms and always sought to create something new and beautiful. His exacting standards made for the shattering of over 80% of each firing. One "rescued" piece however is now in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. His estate is represented by Pucker Gallery in Boston.
See two examples with the "Hoan Tenmoku" and "Black Olive" glaze, see illustration 24 and 26 in "The porcelain of Brother Thomas The path to the Beautiful" by Godine/Pucker Safrai.

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	United States, Vermont
Period:	1950-1979
Materials:	ceramic glazed
Condition:	Good. Fine condition with minimal shelf wear
Creation Date:	1970-80s
Styles / Movements:	Modern, Art Pottery, Asian
Patterns:	Abstract, Asian/Oriental, Geometric, Handmade
Incollect Reference #:	789327

Dimensions

H.	9 in;	Diam.	4 in;
H.	22.86 cm;	Diam.	10.16 cm;

Message from Seller:

Tishu, based in Atlanta, GA, offers a diverse collection ranging from Neolithic art to 20th-century collectibles, with a focus on Mid-century design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian textiles, and Contemporary Aboriginal art. Driven by a passion for timeless beauty, the gallery is open by appointment only and offers works that span 5,000 years of history. Reach them at 305-400-0561 or tishu@tishugallery.com.