Terracotta Republic
Planetary Vessel - Medium-Obvara
Planetary Vessel - Medium-Obvara
✦ One of a kind item
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Terracotta Republic's Obvara-fired Medium Planetary Vessel is a world unto itself. This Medium-scale spherical vessel is a study in volume and surface, designed to command space in any room.
Born from the Obvara firing process, the jar's surface bears the indelible marks of its creation—scorched patterns that resemble topographical maps, storm clouds, or nebulae. No two "planets" are alike; each is a recorded history of the fire it passed through.
This vessel is crowned with a hand-turned [Walnut / Butternut] lid, chosen for its warmth and grain to complement the ceramic surface. Anchoring the lid is a raw [Insert Gemstone Name, e.g., Black Tourmaline] finial, selected to ground the piece and add a final touch of geological intent. A leather cord with a secure tie ensures the contents remain undisturbed.
A Sanctuary for What Matters With a volume of over 250 cubic inches, this vessel is designed for safekeeping. While it stands beautifully as a purely sculptural object, it serves deeply as a sanctuary for:
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Archives: A repository for family letters, journals, or photo collections.
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Collections: A home for gathered stones, sea glass, or travel mementos.
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A Guardian of Memories: A time capsule to be sealed and passed down.
Whether used to hold a lifetime of letters, a collection of sacred objects, or simply to hold space on a mantle, the Planetary Vessel offers a quiet gravity to any environment.
Details
Details
- Maker
- Mike
- Material
- Hand-cast stoneware
- Finish
- Obvara fired with oxide washes
- Dimensions
- Approx. 9" Diameter x 9" Height
- Capacity
- 250+ cubic inch volume
Care, Use & Process
Care, Use & Process
These pieces are finished using the obvara firing process, an alternative firing technique in which hot ceramic is briefly immersed in a fermented mixture that reacts with the clay surface to create distinctive patterns. Each piece develops its own unique surface.
After firing, the surface is sealed with a natural wax finish to deepen the color and provide protection. Because the finish is not a traditional glaze, these pieces are for decorative and/or dry use only, as they will not hold water.
Over time the surface may slowly soften or mellow in tone, particularly with frequent handling or exposure to sunlight. If desired, the appearance can occasionally be refreshed with a light application of paste wax.
Shipping & Handling
Shipping & Handling
Each piece is carefully packed by hand in our studio using protective materials suitable for fragile ceramics. Shipping within the United States is included in the listed price.
Orders typically ship within a few business days. If a piece arrives damaged in transit, please contact us and we will make it right.
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Obvara History
Originating in 12th-century Eastern Europe, Obvara is a dramatic firing technique that marries earth with alchemy. The process begins when the pot is pulled red-hot from the kiln—glowing at 1650°F—and immediately plunged into a fermented brew of flour, yeast, and water.
The mixture boils instantly against the scalding clay, searing organic, unpredictable patterns into the surface. The result is a vessel that looks as if it has been excavated from the earth, bearing marks ranging from warm toasted wheat to deep, carbonized blacks. Because the reaction is so volatile, no two pieces are ever alike.
Care Note: Due to the porous nature of this finish, Obvara vessels are not water-tight. We recommend them for dry storage or decorative use only. Dust with a soft, dry cloth.
