This is a highly-anticipated KILN CUP 2.0 (no handle) experimental meta model, with raw porcelain finish and clear glaze ONLY inside the cup and around the rim. There is only 1 available in this style and color from this batch.

In this new series, I am exploring the process of slipcasting and incorporating evidence of that process in the finished piece. This means instead of working hard to eliminate evidence of the process, I am bringing those visual cues to the front, and making them an important part of the finished piece. You will see on this cup evidence of the 3D printing used to create the original parts, bubbles and marks in the surfaces, irregular and misaligned edges, chips, and other "flaws" that come from the process. It is my belief that these "imperfections" tell the story of the item's creation, and allow it to announce that it is slipcast, rather than hide or pretend. These irregularities are fully intentional, self-referential, and beautiful. It's pottery made specifically for potters.

In this new process, I made the mold as a 9-part assembly so each side of the kiln cup could be selected from a variety of options. For example: a standard 8-sided kiln would have one control panel, one row of peep holes, two sides with handles and latches, and four blank sides. With each side of the mold being separate, it's possible to build a kiln with 8 control panels, or 3 control panels, 4 rows of peep holes, and one side with handles and latches. Look at the photos to see what the sides of this cup look like.

Kiln Cups are very exciting! This item was designed and drawn in a 3D modeling program, to my exacting specifications. The mold was made in NINE PARTS on a 3D printer. Then a silicone mother mold of was made from each piece. The silicone mother mold allows me to make plaster slip molds to a high degree of precision. The kiln cup is then lovingly cast from slip in that nine-part mold, hand-finished, bisque fired, and painstakingly glazed with masking, brushes, and carpal tunnel abuse. This piece is produced in-house by one person, not mass-produced in a factory by a team of workers.

While each piece is made to high standards, they may have slight surface irregularities. This is the honesty of the material and process and is normal. It’s the “wabi” in the wabi-sabi. Honor it.

Over time, this piece may show signs of handling or wear. This also is normal and should be celebrated. This is the “sabi” in the wabi-sabi. Embrace it.

These pieces are presumed to be food safe, so drink with confidence. They are probably microwave safe and dishwasher safe, but I recommend hand-washing. Ultimately, these are fine pieces of art, and extra care should be taken with their use and handling. But they’re probably ok. Just be kind to them so they will last a long time and your kids can fight over them when you die.