An absolute delight of a teapot, at first glance resembling a heavily weathered watering can with its mossy green, orange and ochre glaze, as well as that distinctive puck-shaped lid that you almost expect to unscrew like a rusty fuel cap.
Phenomenally executed in every way, hand built to precision. Featuring one large looping handle joined to the wide flat sided vessel and juxtaposing gently tapered spout with remarkably thin walls.
For Ian Rylatt, it all started with the humble teapot and the pushing of the boundaries associated with highly technical pot throwing. Proportions become increasingly exaggerated, juxtaposing and bold forms joining to become one. This particular example when compared to other work in Ian Rylatt's extensive portfolio is what I would actually consider to be on the more conventional side, yet I still find myself drawn more to this earlier work for how matter-of-fact it seems, simply a masterful and unique approach to form whilst remaining perfectly functional rather than purely object d'art.
This is without a doubt my favourite new addition of this contemporary British ceramics collection for this month. Everything about it is perfect, with the slight exception of the tip of the spout - regrettably it has picked up very slight nibbles and flea bite chips over the years, which is reflected in the price. However, in my mind, this does absolutely nothing to take away just how special this piece is.
Ian Rylatt was born in Lincoln, the closest city to where I grew up myself. He studied at the Lincoln College of Art, then Manchester Polytechnic, before establishing himself as a potter full-time and founding Harding House Gallery in 1990. He later moved to Wales to produce pieces there, becoming a member of the Makers Guild of Wales where his work is exhibited in Cardiff.
Specifications:
Height: 18.5cm / Width: 12cm / Length: 23cm
