Bawa Ushafa for Abuja Pottery A stoneware charger, stamped '...

Estimate

£200 - £300

Bawa Ushafa for Abuja Pottery A stoneware charger, stamped 'B.U.A' and 'Abuja' in Arabic to the base. 40.5cm dia. Footnote:The Abuja pottery, located in Nigeria, has a rich history closely tied to British potter Michael Cardew. In 1951, Cardew was invited by the Nigerian government to establish a pottery training center in Abuja, aiming to merge traditional African pottery techniques with modern European methods. His vision was to create a sustainable craft industry that empowered local potters and elevated Nigerian ceramics on the global stage. Cardew’s approach focused on integrating indigenous skills with technical knowledge of glazing, kiln-building, and stoneware production. Under his guidance, the Abuja Pottery Training Centre became a hub for innovation, producing functional and aesthetically refined pottery that blended Nigerian cultural elements with Cardew’s European techniques. One of the most notable outcomes of this collaboration was the development of Abuja Ware, characterized by its unique forms and rich glazes, made from local clays. The center also trained renowned Nigerian potters like Ladi Kwali, whose works gained international recognition. Michael Cardew's influence left a lasting legacy, establishing Abuja pottery as a celebrated craft tradition that continues to thrive.