Side-fired vase

This classically shaped vase rises from a narrow base to a wide shoulder and narrow neck. Its vibrant colour of red, orange and tan derives from the applied slips and salt-glazed process. It was fired on its side sitting on three sea shells. This prevents the pot from sticking to the kiln shelf but it also creates an area of the pot that resists the effects of the salt or salting, resulting in an area of intense colour. Ash and fly-ash from the burning wood also contribute to the green tones. The clay is iron bearing stoneware and the piece is wood-fired to 1,300°C in a salt kiln.