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Expert: Ric Swenson - 3/5/2007


Question
I am trying to identify which pottery made a dinner service that was purchased for my great aunt as a wedding present about 70 years ago.  The mark on the bottom is of 2 hooded monks. Can you help?
Thanks
Julie

Answer
Julie,

Not a mark I recognize personally, but I can maybe tell you where to look for the answer.

First try the local library for a book of POTTERY MARKS. Books on antique ceramics can give you clues as well as GOOGLING something like "POTTERY MARKS, two monks." or ANTIQUE POTTERY MARKS. I think your local antique dealer might have a book of marks available for you look at too.

Hope this helps.

Ric Swenson, Teaching Ceramics in JingDeZhen, China now.  

Pottery

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Ric Swenson

Expertise

For nearly 40 years I have been involved with pottery. I specialize in wheelthrown pottery, but spent 12 years as Plant Manager of Bennington Potters, Inc. where I learned all about RAM pressing, slip casting, jiggering, OSHA regulations regarding clay manufacture, safety, etc. I have specific knowledge in forming techniques, texturing clay, clay bodies, glazes and application techniques, as well as firing and kiln building. I do not have knowledge of the values of ceramic works of the past.

Experience

I have taught ceramics and art history at the high school and college level in Anchorage, AK (UAA) and Bennington, VT.for 12 years. I ran Bennington Potters, Inc. for 12 years 1982-94. I was manager of Fine Art Tile Co.,San Antonio, TX for several years and taught Pottery classes in Atlanta, GA. at Elements (Kickwheel Pottery Supply), Currently in JingDeZhen , P.R. China, teaching Ceramics and Oral English.

Organizations
American Ceramic Society (Chair of Design Div. 1985-7) Current member of Tucker Arts Guild, Tucker, GA.

Publications
CERAMICS MONTHLY, AMERICAN CRAFT, CERAMIC VISION, (China)

Education/Credentials
BFA, Drawing and Painting, Pacific Lutheran Univ., Tacoma, WA. 1970 with certification to teach Art K-12.
MFA, Ceramics, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA. 1976

Awards and Honors
One Man Show of Pottery, Anchorage Historical and Fine Arts Museum.
Alaska Art Bank Collection, Collection U. of Puget Sound, JingDeZhen Ceramics Institute, China.
Over 70 juried entries in State and Regional art shows over 30 years. Solo exhibition, 2006, The Pottery Workshop, JingDeZhen, China. Exhibitor and Conference participant, Wu Yi Shan Univ. China 2007. Exhibitor at Jingdezhen Ceramic Fairs 2007-2009. Collection of the City of Jingdezhen Ceramic Museum.

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