Add a grounded serene vibe to your study with this 1970s Brad Lee Henry Pottery Vase, featuring a hand-thrown studio stoneware silhouette. A masterful work from the American studio movement, this vessel is crafted from warm iron-red clay and defined by a high-gloss metallic drip glaze at the rim that cascades over a matte, earth-toned body adorned with three bold calligraphic characters.
Origin: USA (Stillwater, Minnesota)
Era: c. 1970s–1980s
Material: Stoneware
Dimensions: 5.00" x 4.00"
Condition: Excellent
Special Feature: Hand-painted calligraphic slip-work; signature metallic rim.
Note: Brad Lee Henry was a fixture of the St. Croix Valley pottery scene; his work is increasingly sought after by collectors of "Minnesota Stoneware."
There is a quiet, rhythmic authority in the work of the St. Croix Valley potters, and this piece stands as a timeless example of that regional mastery. The contrast between the shimmering, industrial-strength rim and the tactile, unglazed appearance of the slip-work serves as a soulful tribute to the marriage of earth and fire. The calligraphic markings provide a sense of reverent movement and Zen-inspired minimalism, as if the artist was capturing a fleeting thought in heavy clay.
Standing five inches tall, this vase possesses a substantial weight and a classic presence that reflects the high-fire traditions of Minnesota stoneware. Whether displayed as a standalone sculptural object on a dark oak desk or as a focal point among other regional treasures, it brings a touch of nostalgic grace and grounded energy to the modern home. It is an essential acquisition for the collector who appreciates the rugged, intentional beauty of American hand-crafted ceramics.
This item is vintage, over 50 years old. All measurements are close but approximate. I measure in quarter inches.