Harding Black (San Antonio, Texas, 1912-2004), yellow oilspot tall vase or vessel, glazed and fired ceramic, incised signature and date on the underside, 1981

height 14.5 in. x width 5 in. x depth 5 in.

Provenance: Property from a home in San Antonio, Texas

Possibly the most celebrated contemporary Texan ceramicist, Harding Black created an impressive legacy of both sculpting and teaching over his 70 year career, with his works in clay representing an important bridge between early Texas and mid-century pottery. In 1933 Black was taught by Rudolph Staffel to make wheel-thrown pottery, and at the same time Black began teaching children's ceramic classes at the Witte Museum in San Antonio, beginning a life-long role as an instructor. Black soon established his own studio near Alamo Heights and became well-known for his research, innovations, and writings in the field of ceramics, while also producing his own distinctive works. He was perhaps particularly noted for his reproductions of the ancient Chinese oilspot and crackle glaze techniques, which adorn many of his bowls and chargers. His prolific studio output ceased upon his death in 2004 and now his original works are prized by private collectors in Texas and beyond. His personal collection and archives are now permanently housed at Baylor University in Waco.