This vase is part of my ‘wilde klei’ collection, where I work with clay sourced directly from the surrounding landscape. For this piece, the clay was harvested from Ebenhaezer, a farm located in the Witzenberg Valley, Western Cape, South Africa. This region, rich in mudstone and siltstone, is defined by fine-grained sediments that date back to the Devonian period.
 
Clay forms in distinct layers within the earth, each with its own unique properties. The clay used for this vase is a blend of material from both the upper and lower strata. Because of the differences between these layers, grog was added and adjusted to balance the two clays, ensuring they could be fired together without causing cracks at the joining points. In its raw state, the clays are a muted green and off-white, with the contrast between them not immediately apparent. However, after firing at 1200°C, the clay transforms into a rich plum and soft greyish-tan, accentuating the contrast and revealing the marbled pattern within.
 
The interior of the vase is glazed with a clear gloss finish, which acts as a filter, subtly preserving the original undertones of the clay.
 
Dimensions: 
Height - 22cm
Diameter of base - 9cm
Diameter of head - 13cm
 
Weight - 1600g