Bidspirit auction | Charity Lot. Art Residency “Cape

Charity Lot. Art Residency “Cape Kungasny”. Handled Mug. 2026. - Ceramic, clear glaze, traditional Russian scald-fired ware (Obvar). Height: 14.5 cm. Diameter: 11 cm. Width with handle: 17 cm. Created within the educational programme of the Cape Kungasny Art Residency in Vladivostok, this ceramic mug represents a contemporary interpretation of traditional Russian pottery, combining practical function with historic firing techniques. In an era defined by digital technologies, standardization, and mass production, traditional craft practices serve as an important bridge connecting contemporary makers with historical memory, material culture, and the ethical foundations of craftsmanship. The residency, supported by the non-profit organization Blagoye Delo, provides a unique environment where participants can work with traditional open-flame ceramic firing methods using wood and gas kilns within an urban setting. The mug was produced using Obvar, an ancient Russian ceramic technique known for more than five centuries and rooted in even earlier traditions. Following firing, the heated vessel is immersed in a specially prepared organic solution, creating distinctive tonal transitions, organic markings, and surface patterns formed through the interaction of clay, fire, air, and natural materials. A transparent glaze complements these effects while preserving the characteristic appearance of the Obvar process. The aesthetic of such works is defined by matte and glossy contrasts, subtle colour variations, natural drips, and unique speckled textures that cannot be artificially reproduced. Each firing yields an entirely individual result, recording a singular moment in the interaction between material and environment. A particularly important aspect of the residency’s programme is its inclusive educational format, which brings together students of decorative and applied arts, young people, and children with disabilities. Through shared work with clay and fire, participants engage in a collaborative creative process that encourages communication, mutual support, and cultural exchange. This handled mug embodies the historical depth, technical precision, and ecological character of traditional Obvar ceramics. It demonstrates how centuries-old technologies can remain relevant in contemporary urban culture, serving simultaneously as a functional object, a work of craft, and a symbol of community-based artistic practice.