Steven Branfman, American (b. 1953)

A Raku Chawan (#1547)

2025   

About the work

This raku chawan by Steven Branfman is formed as a compact, grounded tea bowl with a cylindrical body and a softly irregular rim that reflects its hand built character. Rising from a dark foot, the form feels stable and intimate, well suited to being held and used.

The exterior surface is richly layered with earthy browns, charcoal blacks, and milky whites, created through the raku firing process. Glaze pools, blistering, and crackle spread across the surface, producing a rugged, stone like texture that recalls eroded rock and natural terrain. These effects reinforce Branfman’s view of surface as an extension of the form rather than applied decoration.

The interior is finished with a pale, crackled glaze that provides a quieter visual contrast and draws attention inward. The bowl embodies a balance of intention and spontaneity, shaped by both the artist’s hand and the unpredictability of fire.

Dimensions

8.9cm(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.