Ceramic glaze is an impervious layer or coating of a vitreous substance which has been fused to a ceramic body through firing. Glaze can serve to color, decorate or waterproof an item. Glazing renders earthenware vessels suitable for holding liquids, sealing the inherent porosity of unglazed biscuit earthenware. It also gives a tougher surface. Glaze is also used on stoneware and porcelain. In addition to their functionality, glazes can form a variety of surface finishes, including degrees of glossy or matte finish and color. Glazes may also enhance the underlying design or texture either unmodified or inscribed, carved or painted.
Most pottery produced in recent centuries has been glazed, other than pieces in unglazed biscuit porcelain, terracotta, or some other types. Tiles are almost always glazed on the surface face, and modern architectural terracotta is very often glazed. Glazed brick is also common. Domestic sanitary ware is invariably glazed, as are many ceramics used in industry, for example ceramic insulators for overhead power lines. Reference: Wikipedia
Chinese Famille Rose Glazed Porcelain Vase 19th Century The butterfly shape rising to a straight neck, enameled overall as a single butterfly bordered by bands of flying butterfly and flowers. Height 13 inches.
Sold for $2,250 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2015
PEA-GREEN GLAZED FLOWERS AND BUTTERFLIES PATTERNING
Qing Dynasty 17-19 Century / Height 15.35 in
Sold for $9,000 at Cardale Auctioneers in 2020
Vase with Butterflies late 17th–early 18th century China The Chinese term for butterfly (hudie) is also a rebus for the accumulation of blessings.
Porcelain painted with cobalt blue under transparent glaze (Jingdezhen ware)
Reference: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Vase, earthenware, eucalyptus and butterfly design, made by Harry John Lindeman, Sydney, Australia, c 1920 (OS) Australian Lindeman earthenware vase, hand moulded gumleaves in the form of handles, painted with butterfly and gumnuts on green glaze ground (LC). …made by Harry J Lindeman, Sydney, Australia, c. 1920-30 (OF)
Reference: Museum of Applied Art and Sciences
Plate with butterflies design, blue glaze inside Japanese 19th century
A COBALT-BLUE DECORATED SALT-GLAZED STONEWARE ‘BUTTERFLY’ TWO-GALLON JUG, L. NORTON & SON, BENNINGTON, VERMONT, 19TH CENTURY impressed L. NORTON & SON / 2 above the butterfly decoration Height 13 in.; 33 cm.
Sold for 625 USD at Sotheby’s in 2019