Crystalline glaze, porcelain mug with thumb rest handle
Slightly irregular - As shown in the third photo, the lip is not perfectly round. This is cosmetic only and does not affect use.
Free Shipping via USPS ground on orders over $40
Holds 16 ounces comfortably and 18 ounces filled to the brim
Approximately 5.25 inches tall x 3.5 inches wide, not including the handle
Oven, dishwasher and microwave safe
Sllip cast, durable porcelain
Glazed white inside
To make crystalline glaze ceramics requires the highest level of artistry, not only in making fine porcelain forms, but also in mastering the chemistry of the materials, and the mathematics of the process, so that the crystals naturally grow during the firing.
This glaze technique was first developed by two french chemists in the 1890s. Researching how crystals naturally grow in the earth, they realized that by bringing their kiln to 2300 F and formulating their glazes to have the same building blocks as nature, crystals would begin to form.
If you were to look in a geology book, you would see these are technically Willemite Crystals, which are quite similar to, and frequently grow along side, Quartz. There isn’t one specific crystal growing ingredient. They grow as a result of all the materials coming together organically. The exact size, number and placement of the crystals is completely up to Mother Nature. The extremely high temperature makes this pottery durable, and microwave, dishwasher and oven safe.
These glazes are quite rare because the ingredients are expensive and the chemistry is extremely sensitive. The 32 hour firing cycle must be very exact, bringing the kiln temperature up at a specific speed in specific increments, and with a 10 hour temperature hold, to grow the crystals.
After 10 years as a professional potter, my son, Andy Boswell had the good fortune to be mentored by a Ceramic Engineer. His progress with crystalline glazes leapt forward and now Andy is an innovator in this field, his glaze research continuing to push boundaries. His studio is presently at the forefront of research and development to bring the best of these glazes to you and the rest of the ceramics community. And I couldn't be a prouder mama no matter how old he or I get to be! 🙂 ~Terry B
