Early Large Ceramic Vase with Sang-de-Boeuf Glaze by Brother Thomas Bezanson

An early ceramic long-neck vase with a brilliant copper red glaze by Benedictine monk potter Brother Thomas Bezanson (1929-2007). The minimalistic and harmonious form with a bulbous body was unmistakably informed by Asian silouette. What is extraordinary about this piece is not only its large size, but also the copper red glaze Bezanson achieved on the surface. Known as Ruby Red in Qing dynasty during K'ang Hsi reign (1662-1722), as an attempt to revive the then lost red ware in Ming Dynasty, the glaze was notoriously challenging for the potters. Named by "Sang-de-Boeuf" by French, the glaze has fascinated artists and collectors in both East and West for centuries. Celebrated for his tireless pursuit of perfection, Bezanson achieved a spectacular glaze effect on this vase. The copper red glaze radiates a jewel tone and upon closer inspection, specks of purple color from kiln transformation seep to the surface, feature-like. The glaze pools along the unglazed base, which was marked ''Benedictine Monks, Weston Vermont'' and artist decipher, dating the piece to circa 1965-1970. Probably one of the most difficult pieces with its large form and copper glaze combination, it may be considered by the artist humbly as "a piece that cannot be planned, it just happened", but it well demonstrates the highly sophisticated techniques Bezanson used fluidly in his work.
Brother Thomas Bezanson (1929-2007) was a Canadian born artist and Benedictine monk primarily known for his porcelain pottery and mastery of complex glazes. Strongly influenced by Asian pottery, often adapting traditional Chinese and Japanese pottery methods and materials to his work. He is renowned for his original glaze recipes and perfect forms and always sought to create something new and beautiful. His exacting standards made for the shattering of over 80% of each firing. One "rescued" piece however is now in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. His estate is represented by Pucker Gallery in Boston.
See two examples with the copper red glaze, see illustration 17 and 32 in "The porcelain of Brother Thomas The path to the Beautiful" by Godine/Pucker Safrai.