Collection Highlight: Crystalline Glazes

A wide range of techniques and glazes are represented in MAACM’s pottery galleries. Among the most interesting are the crystalline glazes used by Adelaide Alsop Robineau.

The crystalline glaze is a long process that comes with a high failure rate, but when successful the effect is striking. The vessel is first coated with a glaze containing a mixture of tiny crystals, followed by maximum temperature firing, causing the glaze to melt. The kiln’s temperature is then cooled - still hot enough so the glaze is molten, but cool enough for it to harden. Holding at this temperature lets the crystals fuse together. The length of time it holds determines the size of the crystal formations. After cooling, the result is a random pattern of flower-like crystal forms, creating unique pieces every time.

An Arts and Crafts potter that became known for her glazes, Robineau produced her first successful crystalline-glazed ceramics in 1904. She continued to experiment with this technique throughout her career. Several of her stunning crystalline pieces are on display in the Pottery Gallery.