Overview

A large hand-thrown studio art pottery bowl finished in a soft grey-and-white sponged “spongeware” decoration that pays homage to traditional 19th-century American kitchenware, executed as a contemporary or late-20th-century artisan piece. The generous, wide form works equally well as a serving or centerpiece bowl or as a decorative display piece. The underside carries the studio ceramicist’s incised monogram, “ANR,” set within a flag/banner device, along with a collection inventory notation. It is offered from the studio inventory as part of Tour World Crafts.

Design & Craftsmanship

Function & Form: A substantial wheel-thrown stoneware bowl, approximately 15.75 in in diameter, 3.75 in tall, with about 3.5 in of interior depth, and a heavy, stable build (6 lb 7 oz). Pronounced throw ridges spiral the interior wall, with a band of fine combing/rouletting at the rim.
Artistry & Ornamentation: An allover mottled grey-and-white sponged pattern covers the basin under a glossy clear glaze, the soft, organic mottling characteristic of hand-sponged decoration over a white ground.
Structural Base: The recessed foot is unglazed buff stoneware, incised with the “ANR” monogram in a flag/banner device. A handwritten inventory code, “15-C-249,” is noted on the foot.

Condition Report

Surface Condition: The glaze is clean and intact, with at most minor stoneware speckling or glaze pooling consistent with hand production.
Structural Integrity: The piece is stable and sound, with no chips or cracks observed. This item is sold “as-is” with all associated patina and wear inherent to its age and history as part of the Tour World Crafts collection.

spongeware bowl

Studio Art Pottery Spongeware Bowl — Large Hand-Thrown Grey & White Mottled Stoneware Serving Bowl, Incised “ANR”