This guide records a John Kent-marked ceramic vase from The McCorry Collection, bringing together photographs of its decoration, incised name and the documentary evidence currently available.
A dancing-couple vase
The illustrated vase combines a burgundy glaze with cream-coloured dancing figures in relief and a shaped rim. Known within our collection as Tango, it brings together figurative decoration and a sculptural vessel form.
Its rich colour and expressive subject give it appeal as a display piece, an addition to a pottery collection or an artistic gift. The underside bears an incised John Kent name; no production date or place of manufacture has been established from the mark.
What the documentary record tells us
The University of Melbourne’s documentation for Empty Vessels: Selections from the Margaret Lawrence Ceramics Collection, held in 2017, lists John Kent among the participating artists. Its roomsheet records Window Series, dated 1999, in stoneware and glaze.
This is a useful reference to the name in Australian ceramics. However, a direct connection between that documented artist and the dancing-couple vase has not been established. A detailed biography, training history and studio chronology remain unconfirmed.
Examining the base and marks
The photograph shows the incised John Kent name on the underside of this example.
When comparing pottery marks, record the complete inscription and consider it alongside the vessel’s form, decoration, clay body and glaze. Retain photographs of the whole base, labels and any additional numbers or dates.
A matching name is a useful starting point, but further evidence is needed before connecting an object with a particular exhibition or collection.
Collecting and condition
Examine the rim, foot and raised decoration carefully. Distinguish fine glaze crazing from structural cracks, and record repairs or significant wear.
Consider the quality of the decoration, the appeal of the form, condition and any documented provenance. Keep photographs and purchase records with the piece so that its collecting history remains available to future owners.
Further reading
Browse our Australian Pottery & Ceramics collection.
Further reading: University of Melbourne — Empty Vessels exhibition roomsheet (PDF).