China Paint and Overglaze Book and Any Takers for Special Request Pots
China Paint and Overglaze by Paul Lewing
This is a follow up to my posts on hand made ceramic decals here and here and my subsequent search for lead free over glazes a few weeks ago. I found several references to Paul Lewing’s book (above) online and decided to take a look for myself. The book wasn’t available from any libraries in the Denver metro area, but I was able to use the Inter Library Loan system and have a week to peruse the book courtesy of Southern Utah University.
I quickly flipped to the pertinent sections on decals, homemade recipes for over glazes as well as a review of commercial leaded and lead free overglazes. The findings are interesting - according to some of the leaching tests that Lewing performed, some of the lead free over glazes tested higher for acceptable lead and cadmium levels than the traditional leaded version. Granted he used a signicant amount of over glaze for his tests which may not be entirely accurate. His conclusions include the possibility that the same equipment is used by manufacturers who produce both types of underglaze.
Lewing recommends having work leach tested if one plans on using overglaze on functional work that comes into contact with food. Decals made using lead free overglaze should probably be used on the exterior of work as a decorative element rather than in direct contact with food. While I did glance through the rest of the book, I hope I can find time to read some of the sections more thoroughly before I have to return the book to the library. It contains a fascinating history on the practice of china painting and includes both traditional practitioners as well as more contemporary applications from artists such as Kurt Weiser, whose work I adore.
I still plan on ordering some lead free overglaze from Reusch in the near future - but those experiments are on hold until I finish cranking work out for the Colorado Potters Guild Fall Show in early November.
Stoneware Cannisters for charging batteries
Meanwhile, I sometimes get email requests for work that I don’t make. I decided to post this request on my blog because it may be an interesting proposition for someone else.
“I am looking for ceramic / stoneware pots out of high temperature stoneware clay for the RC hobby person (radio control). In the photo above, the cannisters are used to charge batteries, because there is a risk of the battery catching fire. This is not a decorative item, but more a functional one. These should be strong and capable of withstanding very high temperatures, and about 8 - 10 inches high and 3 - 6 across. A glazed or at least smooth inside would be preferred.
I am not in any rush right now, as I am still in the research stage with this. Initially I would like 2 or 3 examples to evaluate & make changes to, thereafter I would probably order in groups of 10 or so. This would also depend on the unit pricing, as I have a retail price in mind I would like to sell at. If you would not be able to assist me in the manufacture of this item, I would appreciate it tremendously if you could could put me in touch with somebody, or a few people, who might be able to help me.
From the bottom of the pots: Hand made on a potter’s wheel out of high temp. stoneware clay. Fired to 2500 degrees fahrenheit pyrometric cone 11+. It is extremely strong and capable of withstanding temperatures well over 2000 degrees.”
If anyone is interested in pursuing this opportunity, please contact me and I’ll give you the person’s name, email and phone number.
It sounds like an interesting clay application, but given that I rarely fire above ^6, and don’t use stoneware - other than a white porcelainous one, I am passing.
Have a great weekend,
~Cynthia
