Large Shino Vessel by Gerin del Carmen

This large Shino vessel by Los Angeles–based ceramic artist Gerin del Carmen is defined by its quiet monumentality and deeply tactile surface. Thrown with a generous, rounded body and a subtly flared rim, the form recalls historical storage jars and classical amphorae, while remaining unmistakably contemporary in its restraint. Small looped handles punctuate the shoulder, adding a functional note that also emphasizes the vessel’s balanced proportions.

The surface is finished in a dark, iron-rich Shino glaze, fired to a nuanced spectrum of earthy browns, umber, and smoky blackened tones. Characteristic Shino irregularities—soft pooling, faint drips, and areas of satin matte transitioning to low gloss—give the piece a sense of depth and movement. These atmospheric variations highlight the hand-thrown process and invite close inspection, rewarding touch as much as sight.

Grounded yet expressive, the vessel reflects del Carmen’s sensitivity to material, fire, and form. It functions equally well as a sculptural object or as a dramatic container, embodying a dialogue between Japanese ceramic tradition and the relaxed, experimental spirit of contemporary Southern California ceramics.