Harding Black (San Antonio, Texas, 1912-2004), round ashtray, 1961, glazed red ceramic

height 2.5 in. x 7.5 in. diameter

Provenance: from the Mall of the Americas (now the Wonderland Mall, where Harding Black was commissioned to make ashtrays and planters for the interior)

Possibly the most celebrated contemporary Texan ceramist, Harding Black created an impressive legacy of both sculpting and teaching over his 70 year career, with his works in clay representing an important bridge between early Texas and mid-century pottery. In 1933 Black was taught by Rudolph Staffel to make wheel-thrown pottery, and at the same time Black began teaching children's ceramic classes at the Witte Museum in San Antonio, beginning a life-long role as an instructor. Black soon established his own studio near Alamo Heights and became well-known for his research, innovations, and writings in the field of ceramics, while also producing his own distinctive works. He was perhaps particularly noted for his reproductions of the ancient Chinese oil spot and crackle glaze technique, which adorns many of his bowls and chargers. His prolific studio output ceased upon his death in 2004 and now his original works are prized by private collectors in Texas and beyond. His personal collection and archives are now permanently housed at Baylor University in Waco.

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