Tea Set (teapot)

Barbara Walch built this tea set without the use of a wheel. Instead, she pinched the sides of the clay to create the ridges that appear on each piece. She has left the exterior of each pot unglazed, while the interiors are finished with an off-white and brown glaze that complements the natural color of the clay. Walch unifies the set by using the same spiraling handle on the teacups, teapot and sugar spoon, and also relates the saucers to the larger tray by curling up the sides and leaving the bottoms flat. The teapot, which Walch has molded into a pumpkin-like shape, is one of the hardest forms for a potter to build. The artist must make sure that all elements of the pot---the handle, lid, and spout---fit together and that the finished pieces in the set can hold and pour tea.