Vaas met rode lusterglazuur 1909

This vase with red luster glaze by Pilkington & Co is all about surface and light. I can imagine the artist in the studio, glazing the ceramic form, waiting to see what alchemy might appear in the kiln. Will it be rich and deep, or will it be disappointing? I wonder, what were they hoping to achieve? Were they thinking of ancient pottery or experimenting with new techniques? The luster finish reminds me of the iridescence you see on a butterfly's wing. I love how the metallic sheen catches the light, making the red glaze glow with flashes of gold. There’s a conversation happening here. The artist is riffing on art history while also pushing the boundaries of their craft, trying something new. It’s this back-and-forth, this dialogue with the past and present, that keeps art alive. It is a reminder that art is not just about making something pretty, but about exploring, questioning, and pushing the limits of what's possible.