Phil Rogers Chawan

An decorative stoneware chawan by renowned Welsh potter Phil Rogers.

This wheel-thrown footed bowl features a lattice pattern expressively impressed into the clay. The reddish stoneware is left partially bare around the exterior, carrying a thin salt glaze, while the interior is richly coated in a thick white nuka glaze. The visual and textural contrast, along with the subtly varied complexion of the surface, is further enriched by the quiet, characterful effects of wood firing.

The shape of this piece is inspired by traditional East Asian chawans; bowls designed for use during the preparation and drinking of tea. Working in what has been called an anglo-oriental tradition, Rogers frequently experimented with the form of chawans and other East Asian vessels, techniques and glazes.

In addition to making pots, which Rogers began doing as a full-time profession from 1978 until his passing in 2020, his inexhaustible passion for pottery led him to write, teach, and advocate pottery via the many organisations he was affiliated with. Among various other appointments, Rogers served as a chairperson for the Craft Potters Association (UK) and as a member of the International Academy of Ceramics .

Unsurprisingly given the international scope of Rogers’ activities, whether teaching or exhibiting, his work is held in the collections of more than 50 museums worldwide, including the V&A, the British Museum, and the Cleveland Museum of Art. [1]

[1] Sadly, we omit museums in Canada, Germany, Israel, Japan, South Korea, & Netherlands etc... as the Rogers' pottery they hold is not yet available to see online.