White ceramics
Aldo Flower Vase by M. and D. Fuksas for Alessi
Why does white look white
Pure, refreshing, refined, crisp, clear, illuminating and virtuous are some of the descriptive terms that come to mind for the colour white. This majestic colour has an intriguing dynamic in that it is without hue yet contains all colours of the light spectrum.
White is the color the human eye sees when it looks at light which contains all the wavelengths of the visible spectrum. This light stimulates all three types of color sensitive cone cells in the eye in nearly equal amounts.The reason substances appear white is because their surfaces reflect back most of the light that strikes them without absorbing any colors.
White was connnected with the goddess Isis in ancient Egypt. The priests and priestesses of Isis dressed only in white linen. Similarily, in ancient Rome, the priestesses of the goddess Vesta dressed in white linen robes, a white palla or shawl, and a white veil. White symbolized their purity, loyalty, and chastity. A plain white toga was worn for ceremonial occasions by all Roman citizens over the age of 14-18. No Roman man was allowed to appear in the Roman forum without a toga.
During the Middle Ages, painters rarely ever mixed colors; but in the Renaissance, the influential humanist and scholar Leon Battista Alberti encouraged artists to add white to their colors to make them lighter and brighter. This was adopted by numerous painters, and the palette of the Renaissance was considerably more vivid.
White porcelain originated in China and was widely produced due to its translucency, strength and hardness. It became highly prized after it was exported to the Islamic world and onto Europe.
Two moon flasks. Famille rose. Qing 1723-35.
Sir Percival David Collection, British Museum
A beluga white whale. Its colour helps it hide from its chief enemies, the polar bear and killer whales
Burtz sundae soup tea bowls
Vintage White Vase – Heinrich, Germany
Turi Heisselberg
L’Officina Handmade Ceramic ( Etsy )
These bowls are made with wool dipped in porcelain paperclay and arranged in a shape.Paperclay is a mix of porcelain and paper pulp. Paper in the clay changes the molecular structure of the clay body. The paper burns out of the clay in the kiln after about 300° and then the clay is as normal.Paper clay will withstand multiple re-dampening so you can make changes in the form. It will also withstand forced drying.
‘Thought Circles’ – Rheka Goyal, India
Tania Rollond, Australia
Taizo Kuroda
Sung Jae Choi – buncheong jar
Ruth Duckworth
Charles Murphy
Karen Morgan
Linda Styles – UK
Lotus Car Sculpture – Gerry Judah
‘Micro hybrid bi flora’ – Lindsay Feuer
Nagae Shigekazu – ‘Forms in Succession’
Jonathan Latiano – ‘Points Of Contention’
‘Prism’ – Bartek Mejor.
‘Ribbon Vessel’ – Jennifer McCurdy
The Shinto religion uses white sand or gravel to symbolize a sacred place, while Zen Buddhism uses it to stimulate calm and meditation in their Zen gardens. The use of curved lines symbolised all embracing compassion.
Futuristic white :
The colour white has quite often featured in futuristic scenes in movies and with modern décor. Predominant use of the colour promotes a minimalist, uncluttered appearance and clean contemporary lines. This could be a reflection of a subconscious desire to have a future that fades to white rather then black and maintains a purity and order.
Italian Architect Riccardo Giovanetti
Futuristic white Mahina house
Futuristic black & white chairs
Infiti Design
Connie Norman – ‘Never Forgotten’
3D model vase from Design Connected
Futuristic home from Woody Allen’s movie ” Sleeper “.
‘White Wiggles’ – Adrienne Johnson
Astrid Dahl
Ceramic Table Lamp – Regina Farrel
White Porcelain Berry Bowl – Isabelle Abramson
Teapot from Anthropologie
Roos van de Velde – Belgium
‘Silver Arum
– Wendy Hoare
Italian 60’s – 70’s vase collection – Roberto Rigon for Bertoncello
Wat Rong Khun temple
Heather Daymond
Ed Bentley
Three white ceramic vessels – Mervyn Gers
Rupert Spira
Mid Century German vases
Lyndsey B White airbrushed sculpture
The 80’s Gallery
Primavera vase
1930, Gary Rubinstein Antiques
Bonbonniere Candy Jar – Robj
Cup and Saucer – White Bike Ceramics
White veined marble sculpture by Angelo Mangiarotti
‘Woman With Raised Leg’ – Carol Murphy
2008
Brenda May Gallery, NSW, Australia
Johan Van Loon, NL
Jennifer Burke – creamer and sugar bowl
Ruth Duckworth; Porcelain wall art
1998
Pam Dodds
‘Enfold-2-&-3’ – Keith Varney
www.keithvarney.co.uk/ceramics.html
1 Comment
My entire bedroom is all white, so I loved this post so much, may even be one of my favourites. It really is so pure and illuminating.
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[…] Pure, refreshing, refined, crisp, clear, illuminating and virtuous are some of the descriptive terms that come to mind for the colour white. This majestic colour has an intriguing dynamic in that it is without hue yet contains all colours of the light spectrum. […]