Peter Gboko for Abuja Pottery (cf. Michael Cardew), studio pottery urn, c1960

Condition: Very good condition, no chips cracks or restoration.

This is a rare and beautiful three handled urn made by Peter Gboko at the Abuja Pottery Training Centre in Nigeria.  The pottery is famous for the involvement of Michael Cardew who set it up in 1951, and Ladi Kwali, its most prestigious student.

Gboko, who joined the pottery in 1957, was also known as one of it finest makers, and he was one of the staff remaining when Cardew left in 1965.  The pottery made wares fusing African styles with some European techniques, including wood firing to high temperature to create stoneware, like this vase.

The urn is made in a dark brown clay and finished inside and out in an ash glaze with incised patterns in African style in other glazes.  The decoration is similar to that used by Gboko on other pots, including his most well known work, the Gwari style casserole dishes.

Gboko's impressed mark is on the foot of the urn.