Early Ceramic Vase With Unique Glaze Pattern by Brother Thomas Bezanson

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An early ceramic vase in a pear shape form by celebrated potter Brother Thomas Bezanson (1929-2007). The shape of this … Read more An early ceramic vase in a pear shape form by celebrated potter Brother Thomas Bezanson (1929-2007). The shape of this porcelain glazed vase is one of the Chinese prototypes known as Yuhuchun (Spring in the jade bottle). Originated in Tang Dynasty and became popular in Song Dynasty, vases of this form were used to contain wine. Bezanson exaggerated the form and made it more modern-looking using a thinner neck to contrast a wider flat mouth rim and an enlarged baluster body. What is really unusual about this vase is the glaze applied on the surface by the potter. On a rather unusual celadon-beige background, iron glaze was splashed in a free spirit style that formed visually arresting patterns: some appeared to be down feather-like, other morphed into firework or chrysanthemum blossom, many dripped into small groups of more oxidated pattern that resembles human figures. The visual interpretation all depends on viewer's imagination. The color combination is rarely seen in the artist's repertoire, indicating that it was likely a highly experimental early piece. Bezanson's ceramic and glaze techniques was rooted in Asian ceramic tradition, but his work carries a strong modern outlook. This is a great example of the inventive aesthetic the artist strived for.
The vase was marked on the base "Benedictine Monks Weston Vermont", "7423" "4/3" and Bezanson's decipher as shown. The decipher indicated that this vase was made in Weston VT circa 1965-1970.
Brother Thomas Bezanson (1929-2007) was a Canadian born artist and Benedictine monk primarily known for his porcelain pottery and mastery of complex glazes. Strongly influenced by Asian pottery, often adapting traditional Chinese and Japanese pottery methods and materials to his work. He is renowned for his original glaze recipes and perfect forms and always sought to create something new and beautiful. His exacting standards made for the shattering of over 80% of each firing. See less