B. Cramer Clay

When she placed the footed cups on the table and walked away I couldn’t help but pick up the one closer to me and examine it. Light enough to barely notice the weight yet not delicate in the hand. The two cups were similar in shape and size but obviously handmade and separately unique. Glazed in a glossy, transparent green with flowers scattered all over the piece, each flower petal slightly different than the next. I could tell these flowers were applied by the hands of a skilled craftsperson, slowly and methodically, giving these pieces a feeling of calm and comfort. The trimmed foot was lacking glaze and slightly rough to the touch except for the smooth sanded bottom. Turning the cup over in my hand my mind began to slow as I noticed micro details that made this little piece of mud an absolute stunner. Startled back into reality as she returned to the dining room, holding a tray of cheese and crackers along side the matching tea pot. Quickly I returned the cup to the table next to its mate as she sat down and picked up the teapot and began filling our cups. As I reached for mine again, now full, I was confused by the coolness of its contents, and to my pleasant surprise, this teapot wasn’t filled with tea at all. It was being utilized as a wine decanter…