Ladi Kwali (Nigerian, circa 1925-1984)Tankard stamped 'L.K.' (to lower rim below the handle) stoneware 16.5 x 14.5 x 10.3cm (6 1/2 x 5 1/2 x 3 15/16in). Provenance Acquired directly from the Abuja Pottery Training Centre; A private collection. Submerged in what appears to be a Abuja Slip glaze, the present work is indicative of Ladi Kwali's defining style and process within her oeuvre. Beautifully striking in it's dark colour andpleted with a dynamically strong strap handle, the present work is a prime example of the potter's characteristic boldness in shape and use of heavy glaze. This specific type of glaze was characterised by Michael Cardew, the Officer of the Abuja Pottery Training Centre as Guinness Brown Glaze due to its dark and opaque finish when high fired; when easy fired, the finish adopts an opaque green appearance. While Michael Cardew had introduced the wheel throwing system to the pottery centre, Kwali preferred to remain with the traditional forms of pottery making as taught to her by her aunt and family while she was growing up. However, in this instance, we can see that Kwali turned her hand to experimental practices given that this tankard was indeed thrown. Bibliography John Edgeler, Michael Cardew and stoneware, continuity and change , (Wincbe: Cotswolds living Publications, 2008)