Steven Branfman, American (b. 1953)

A Raku Vessel (#1630)

2025 

About the work

Steven Branfman explores verticality and volume in this raku vessel through a tall, elongated neck rising from a full, rounded body. The form emphasizes an upward flow, with the narrow neck extending cleanly from the broader mass below, creating a strong sense of lift and containment.

The surface is richly textured and visually complex. Areas of matte white glaze spread across the body like weathered stone, interrupted by darker, earthy tones and subtle metallic flashes that emerge from the raku firing. The glaze breaks and pools unevenly, revealing traces of carbon trapping, crackle, and abrasion that suggest erosion and natural aging. These tactile surfaces act as a skin, recording both the forming process and the interaction between clay, fire, and atmosphere.

The contrast between the restrained geometry of the form and the expressive, unpredictable surface reflects Branfman’s balance of control and spontaneity, a hallmark of his raku work.

Dimensions

53.3cm(h) x 27.9cm(w)

Weight: 4.5kg

Footnote

Steven Branfman received his Masters Degree from Rhode Island School Of Design in 1975 and has earned an international reputation as a clay artist. In 1977 he founded The Potters Shop and School in Needham, Massachusetts, USA, and has taught widely, including at Thayer Academy in Massachusetts since 1978. A member of the International Academy Of Ceramics, he has also held significant roles in several ceramics organizations. His Raku ware has been exhibited internationally and is included in collections such as the American Museum Of Ceramic Art and The Alfred Ceramic Art Museum. Branfman is the author of four books and a sought after workshop presenter in the United States and worldwide.