porcelain
H22 x W40 x D7.5 cm
“It is a kind of suffering to produce porcelain because it is ‘not me’. (…) It is troublesome and fussy – it can wobble or warp during firing, so porcelain is seldom produced in a large size.”
-Iskandar Jalil, “Earth & Fire, Beauty & Imperfections: A Master Potter’s Reflections”, Dr Iskandar Jalil: A Master Potter’s Philosophy & Process, 2016, p.11
Porcelain works in the oeuvre of Iskandar Jalil are rare, on account of his inclination toward the “earthy and robust” stoneware and earthenware as opposed to the “dainty and delicate” nature of porcelain. Even so, the master potter’s skill and admiration of the natural qualities of porcelain are reflected in this rare porcelain teapot that masterfully encapsulates these qualities through its form. Its serpentine handle that playfully twists and turns hyperbolically reflects the material’s tendency to “wobble or warp” during firing. Typical of his porcelain pieces, the rim of the vessel is almost paper-thin and slightly wavy, accentuating the delicateness of the clay.
Provenance: Collection of Prof. Victor Savage
Location: Singapore
