Large bowl. Abstract decoration.

A large earthenware bowl. Abstract decoration in a khaki / celadon on a cream base colour. Unsigned. Diameter 12” ,height 5”. Base diameter 2.5”. Light crackling.


Hoping decoration, and potting style might point to age and origin?

Thanks for any insights in advance!

What a lovely stylish piece! It has a very 60's look about it. Where did you get it?

Thanks Philpot! Glad you like it, I love it! It’s a gift from a friend with a good eye but who is not a pottery collector.

Know little else about its origin but would love to know more!

Thanks again for your interest.

Kindest

Stab in the dark…

Does the base point to an African or South American piece?

Additional pic…

I was wondering about Italian. If you Google '1960's Black & White Pottery' then there are quite a lot of images of Italian pottery that come up. Italy was a very strong driver of modern design in the 1960's.

My bets is on Africa. Am I seeing a lot of burnt glaze at the base? and hit'miss glazing round the rim? Can't see. If that's what I'm seeing then it points me away from Europe where it was made to be used

Still very decretive. I first thought was of fish in the sea motif.

[need better foot and rim photos]

Thanks 22 and philpot. Appreciate your thoughts and expertise. 3 additional pics added. Base has a ring of glaze build up. A couple of rim shots added. Hope they may be of some use.

Kindest

Lovely bowl. Looks familiar but I'm not placing it atm

Thanks Naomi. I’m enjoying it!

Fingers crossed something comes back to you!

Is it shoals of fish in water? fine decoration, but the base looks very crudely
done, and almost stuck on as an afterthought.

Hi Denby

Concur regarding the crudity of the base. Hoped that feature might point out a possible country/region of origin along with the material of manufacture.

The decoration is quite something. Can see the fish angle but also been finding myself seeing other animals / figures. Still a bit of mystery and again was hoping that the decorative style might alude to the bowls back story.

Kindest

https://www.penn.museum/sites/expedition/calabashes-in-northern-nigeria/

This link is very interesting. Pottery bowls in Northern Nigeria. Scroll down and the decoration looks a very similar style to your piece.
Interestingly the actual article dates from 1974. After having read what is a superb article I think from near certainty this is where your bowl came from.

Thanks philpot for the help and the lead. Will read asap!

Kindest

I think it relates to this

LINK

Possibly by one of the British ex-pat potters in South Africa

Thanks again Naomi and 22. Really interesting!

FYI Wanted to add that this bowl is relatively light in weight for its size reminding me of other African ceramic vessels I own. Suspect it would also be quite fragile as well.