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USA, 1900
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Harding Black | 1912 – Present

Harding Black made functional stoneware pots fired in a high-fire, reduction atmosphere kiln; he also worked in mid-range fired earthenware. His earliest forms were coil built in the manner of Pueblo pottery. Other forms include wheel thrown bowls, slip-cast cylinders, ashtrays in the shape of sombreros for use in a Mexican restaurant, and table top-sized sculpture. He also made jars, compotes, vases, pitchers, and birdfeeders.

Harding Black is known for his extensive glaze research. He is considered a pioneer of modern handmade pottery in Texas. As a self-taught chemist, he reproduced ancient Chinese and Oriental glazes and was famed for sharing his extensive catalog of glazes he had personally formulated.

In 1931, Harding Black joined the Witte Museum Archaeological Society. This gave him access to the Museum?s collection of Native American pottery, and marked the beginning of his interest in and work with clay. Rudolph Staffel was his first pottery teacher in 1933; his first kiln was built with plans from Newcomb College. Other influences include Oriental Pottery, and Bernard Leach?s A Potters Book, first published in 1940.

Black in other collections

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These records have been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced.

Last updated: April 22, 2026

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