Porcelain Ovoid Vase with Celadon Glaze
MakerMade by
Chris Keenan
(born 1960)
StudentTaught by
Edmund de Waal
(Nottingham, England, born 1964)
CollectorCollected by
Sandy Dunbar
(London, England, 1929 - 2012)
Date2007-2008
Object NameVase
MediumLimoges porcelain, celadon and tenmoku
ClassificationsCeramics
DimensionsOverall (Height x Diameter): 142 × 90mm
Base (Diameter): 43mm
Base (Diameter): 43mm
AcquisitionThe Sandy Dunbar Studio Ceramics Collection presented in 2023 by Crinan Dunbar and Rebecca Russell.
Copyright© Chris Keenan
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS095708.151
About MeThis small porcelain vase has an ovoid body and slim cylindrical neck. It is glazed all over with a grey-blue celadon glaze and a single splash of tenmoku, possibly applied by the potter's thumb, on the body.
Chris Keenan frequently works with celadon and tenmoku glazes in combination to create contrasting colours or to enhance the shape. He also applies tenmoku to add pattern and subtle decoration as seen in this example.
Celadon is a type of glaze which originated in China. Iron oxide is added to create shades of pale green and blue and with the addition of a greater amount of iron oxide, in colours as dark as olive green and black. Tenmoku is another type of glaze originating in East Asia and is usually a treacle-brown or lustrous black colour.
