Celadon Turtles by Barb Johnson

Porcelain Turtle Test Tiles by Barb Johnson

Barb Johnson created a beautiful collection of handbuilt porcelain turtle test tiles to explore the wide range of Celadon glazes. Each turtle is carefully constructed from nine individual pieces, assembled by hand to form the body, shell, and appendages. The base is porcelain, fired to Cone 6 with no hold. The appendages are finished with Amaco Ancient Copper, giving them a warm, textured contrast against the luminous shells. On top, Duncan Mother of Pearl was applied, producing a shimmering, iridescent surface that enhances the depth of each glaze.

The series includes twenty-one turtles, each featuring a different Celadon glaze. In the top row, the shells are Tangelo, Weeping Plum, Snapdragon, Ice, and Lavender. The second row continues with Deep Sea, Sky, Rainforest, Downpour, and Storm. The third row includes Pear, Marigold, Mulberry, Fog, and Cobalt. The bottom row features Jade, Poppy, Glacier, Wasabi, and Aqua, with Obsidian presented as a single turtle at the center bottom.

Together, these turtles demonstrate the subtle yet varied qualities of Celadon glazes, ranging from soft pastels and transparent hues to deeper, richer colors. The pairing of Mother of Pearl with Ancient Copper highlights both iridescence and earthiness, creating a striking balance that makes each turtle a unique exploration of color, surface, and craftsmanship.

• Duncan Mother of Pearl on top x1, Duncan 019
• Porcelain, Cone 6, no hold
• AMACO Ancient Copper on the appendages