Modernist Black Glazed Vase with Incised Portraits

A striking hand-thrown pottery vase, finished in a deep black glaze and decorated with linear incised faces in an ivory white slip. The stylized portrait motif—reminiscent of Modernist and Cubist influences—encircles the body, accented by a necklace detail and repeating eye-like symbols around the collar. The glossy surface and crisp incised decoration highlight the graphic contrast between light and dark, giving the piece a bold, sculptural presence.

Signed on the underside: Eli Gold’s Earthworks.

This studio ceramic demonstrates the fusion of functional pottery with fine art sensibility, making it as much an object of daily beauty as a collectible display work.

Provenance: Private collection, North America

Condition: Excellent vintage condition; no chips or cracks observed, consistent with age and use

Dimensions: Height: 6.5 in. (16.5 cm) x Diameter: 5.5 in. (14 cm)

Medium: Glazed stoneware / pottery

Maker: Eli Gold, Earthworks

A distinctive example of contemporary studio pottery with a strong artistic presence—ideal for collectors of Modernist ceramics or as a striking accent within layered interiors.