Studio Art Pottery Raku Fired Iridescent Glaze Vessel Vase Signed David Yager

Vintage early 2000s, unusual Raku Glaze Vessel or Vase by David Yager, Northern California-base ceramicist. This 7" high rounded vessel has a 3 5/8" wide base from which the sides spread to 6" wide toward the top and end with a narrow 3 1/2" top opening. This charcoal vase (inside and outside) got its classic color and iridescent exterior texture and coloring from the raku firing technique in which red hot glazed ceramic pieces are smothered in a chamber of combustible materials such as paper or sawdust to cool. The whole spectrum of colors to appear in the glaze as it slowly cools in the oxygen depleted environment. The process creates unpredictable and fascinating results, making each piece entirely unique. This vase shows both the sheen of the iridescence created as well as sections of texturized glaze. The artist's name is incised on the bottom - David Yager. (See below for notes on David Yager.) The dark coloration of this piece is unusual for Yager, as he is known for his white, almost porcelain, pieces with vibrantly colored, swirled glazes. The vase is in very good condition, with no cracks, breaks. A handsome vase for a shelf vignette or to show off  flowering branches or a collection of interesting brushes or other wooden tools. Notes on David Yager: David Yager has been working with clay for more than 50 years. He studied ceramics at Cal State Chico under Michael Lucero, a nationally renowned ceramic artist based in New York as well as under Jack Windsor, founder of Chico State's ceramics program known as a "glaze scientist". Yager established his first studio in Chico but today lives and works at his home and studio in Sea Ranch, Mendocino County, CA. He focuses on creating functional pieces, using high-fire techniques to create durable pieces despite the expense and technical demands. He has been working on his colorful "Swirl" glazes for a number of years and has recently begun to embellish his works on the bottoms and insides with paintings inspired by his local setting, taking custom requests for pieces.