Yellow Trapezoidal Cross-Section Reassembled Ring Teapot

Making this teapot helped me to think in a new way about the process of reassembling the cut-apart arc sections of the (in this case) trapezoidal ring. I did not try to exactly fit the arc sections together end-to-end, but allowed them to overlap, and put flat clay panels on the uncovered parts of the cut open ring sections. I assembled the two sections to the left of the photo where the handle is attached, and separately assembled the three sections to the right, where the spout is. I then cut an interlocking mortise and tenon-type joint to increase the surface area of attachment in the final joint which you see between the handle and the lid. I cut open the trapdoor lid between the spout and handle, and made the lid finial by piling up 5 clay balls topped by a miniature trapezoidal polygon, restating the trapezoid cross-section theme of the original ring. I chose a bright yellow glaze to emphasize the curving, yet angular nature of this unique sculptural composition.

This teapot is held in a private collection in Dallas, Texas.

In addition to my unique reassembled ring teapots, my partner Susan Nykiel and I also make a wide range of functional and elegant pottery pieces. Please visit our new online store at oakbluffspottery.etsy.com to see what we have to offer! This is an excellent place to shop for beautiful handmade pottery for your own home or for your gift-giving pleasure.