Nature Reliquary no. 7

Transform the small, precious gifts from nature into a cherished display with this organic ceramic sculpture. More than just pottery, this piece is a reliquary—a small-scale shrine designed to honor the treasures and curiosities you've gathered along your path.

Whether placed on your altar, bookshelf, mantle, or desk, this grounding piece invites quiet reflection and creates a moment of connection to the outdoors, even when you're inside.

A one-of-a-kind work of art
Each reliquary is carefully sculpted and carved by hand from a single piece of stoneware paper clay. The form draws inspiration from nature itself—coral formations, ancient seed pods, weather-worn shells, honeycomb—resulting in a deeply organic, sculptural shape that feels both ancient and contemporary.

The raku firing process
This reliquary was made using the raku firing process: a Japanese technique that involves taking pots out of the kiln while still in a hot, orange, molten glow. In the western version of raku, once removed, the pots are placed in a container with combustibles like newspaper or sawdust where they catch fire and are covered with a lid until cooled.

This particular piece was finished with a classic white crackle glaze, taken out of the kiln and blown on repeatedly to cool and crack the glaze before being added to newspaper to burn. The grey between the cracks is carbon from the fire that is trapped in the clay during the sealed cooling process. The many variables in raku firing create a unique, one-of-a-kind piece of pottery that can never be replicated.

Perfect for displaying:

• Small found feathers
• Pressed flowers or dried moss
• Tiny sea glass or beach stones
• Acorns, unique seeds, or insect wings
• Any small natural treasures that speak to you

Product Details
Material: High-fired stoneware paper clay
Finish: White crackle raku glaze with carbon markings
Care: Wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth

Each piece is hand-sculpted and one-of-a-kind.