The richly-layered surfaces on these stoneware vessels appear similar, but were produced differently. The cylindrical vase is an example of Iga ware, a virtuosic Japanese ceramic tradition requiring numerous multi-day high-temperature firings. Airborne ash in the wood-fired kilns lands on the unglazed clay, creating a variegated surface. Inspired by the textures of Japanese ceramics, Adam Silverman experimented with ways to achieve similar effects with the resources available to him in Los Angeles. By applying two liquid clay slips, he varied the composition of his vessel’s surface. Then, since the kiln he used was fueled by propane gas, he placed the pot on a bed of ash and blew additional ash into the kiln during the firing, producing the desired colors, crackles, and drips.