Another brilliant creation by one of my favourite contemporary ceramicists, Ian Rylatt.
In typical Rylatt fashion, this teapot is far from conventional in form, being tall and elongated but contrasted in this case with a very simple and elegant off-white glaze accented with blue banding to the lid rim and bottom quarter. The proud stoneware handle is constructed from three straight extruded elements, resulting in a totemic shape that reminds me of Japanese Torii gates. The spout throws another contrast into the mix, having remarkably thin walls and curved for the perfect pour.
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.
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.
Regrettably having one thankfully very clean historical repair to the lid where it split straight down the middle - this is reflected in the price. Otherwise in perfect condition for display and use.
Specifications:
Height: 28.5cm / Width: 9.5cm / Depth: 14cm
