Steven Branfman, American (b. 1953)

A Raku Chawan (#1546)

2025

About the work

This raku chawan by Steven Branfman emphasizes weight, tactility, and the quiet authority of a compact vessel. The rounded body rises from a dark, grounded foot, opening gently to an uneven rim that encourages a contemplative, hand held experience.

The surface is animated by a pale, milky glaze layered with bold, charcoal black markings that move horizontally around the form. These contrasts suggest shifting strata or ink washes across stone, reinforced by pinholes, blistering, and fine crackle that reveal the immediacy of the raku firing process. Subtle variations in thickness and tone record the interaction between glaze, fire, and reduction, allowing chance to play a visible role.

The interior remains softly luminous, its fine crackle inviting close inspection during use. Both expressive and functional, the bowl reflects Branfman’s belief that surface acts as a skin, revealing what lies beneath.

Dimensions

7.66cm(h) x 10.2cm(w)

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.