15" Monumental Michael Madsen Mt. St. Helen's Ash Heavy Slab Vase

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An architectural and exceptionally rare example of Pacific Northwest studio art pottery, this massive, 15-inch tall hand-built heavy slab vase … Read more An architectural and exceptionally rare example of Pacific Northwest studio art pottery, this massive, 15-inch tall hand-built heavy slab vase was created by Washington State artist Michael Madsen in 1993. Weighing a substantial 13 pounds, this structural piece features thick-walled, heavy stoneware construction. Its minimalist, four-sided slab panels and narrow flared neck capture a commanding Japanese Mingei folk art aesthetic reminiscent of master potter Shoji Hamada.Glaze & Technique:The body features a rich, earthy chocolate-brown stoneware glaze accented by stylized, organic grass motifs using a meticulous wax-resist technique. The shoulder and base are heavily layered in a thick, frothy white slip glaze mimicking a snow-capped mountain peak. Most notably, the glaze formulation incorporates authentic volcanic ash from the historic 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption, resulting in beautiful textural variation and unique regional historical significance.Condition & Markings:The massive, unglazed stoneware base is fully signed and verified by the artist: "MT ST HELENS ASH GLAZE" and "M. MADSEN / BLAINE, WASH." It is hand-incised with the production year 1993. The vase is in excellent vintage condition with no chips, cracks, or visible repairs. A truly monumental and rare scale for regional volcanic ash studio wares, perfect as a heavy floor vase or dramatic console statement piece. See less