Harding Black (San Antonio, Texas, 1912-2004), large heavy-walled planter with mottled brown glazes, incised signature and date on the underside and lower outer edge, 1964

Purported to have been created for North Star Mall in San Antonio, Texas

height 17.5 in. x 18 in. diameter

Provenance: The estate of Celine and Warren Hunter (1904-1993), noted San Antonio, Texas artist; purchased from Harding Black by his student, Celine Hunter, and passed by family inheritance to the present owner

Harding Black was a renowned Texas ceramic artist, sculptor, painter, bricklayer, and teacher. His work with clay serves an an important bridge between early Texas and mid-century pottery. In 1933, Black was taught by Rudolph Staffel to make wheel-thrown pottery and began to teach children's ceramic classes at the Witte Museum. Black directed ceramic installation in a San Antonio reconstruction project sponsored by the National Youth Administration and the Works Progress Administration art program. Black became well-known for his research, innovations, and writings in the field of ceramics. Black's collection and archive are housed at Baylor University.