#46 • Master Potter Ben Owen Sr - Creamer in Salt Glaze
Part of Pink Auction - Nice Blend of Old and New (timed auction by K and B Auction)
High bid $35.00
Status: Sold
"Master Potter" is not a title just thrown around. Ben Owen Sr. has the pedigree. Here is a quick bio from the families Pottery Website: Ben Owen Sr (1904-1983) Ben Owen Sr. was hired in 1923 as the second known potter to work at the newly built Jugtown Pottery. He was born in 1904, son of potter Rufus Owen. Ben also learned to turn in his father’s shop. In 1932, Ben became the sole potter at Jugtown. A willing and skilled young turner, Ben produced masterful pottery for over thirty-six years, experimenting with many extraordinary forms under the guidance of the Busbees. He traveled with the Busbees to museums and socials, researching different styles of pottery from around the world. Many sketches and photos were taken to use for further study. He would return to the pottery near Seagrove filled with new inspirations. The Asian and Middle-Eastern influences of pottery played a key role in the foundation of a Jugtown style. Works made from 1959-1972 were made at Old Plank Road Pottery, Ben Owen Pottery today, and stamped Ben Owen Master Potter. Ben retired shortly after 1972 due to health issues and advanced arthritis. His son Ben Wade Owen Jr, and grandson, Ben Owen III continued the business in the early 1980s. This work is stamped Master Potter Ben Owens. He used this stamp between 1960 through 1972. Cobalt decorated outside, with the inside rim with a glaze like I've never seen. The purple color looks like the same color purple as the mimeographs we used to get in school (if your old enough). Besides the cobalt, there is also a sine-wave incised design the cobalt is glazed over. Creamer is just under 7" tall and 6.5" deep from spout to handle, and 5.25" wide at the flared sides of the top. No noticeable condition issues. * Stamp was also used on pieces made by Farrell Craven in the late 1960s. Matching bowls in lot 47. You can see more history about Ben Owen Sr, at the families' pottery web site and store https://benowenpottery.com/history
