Stoneware vase for ID - Inscribed 'VA'

Good evening members,

I wonder if someone might be able to identify this unusually shaped vase.
Stoneware, heavy unusual glazes.
Inscribed on the base 'VA'.

Your help is much appreciated!
Pier-Luigi

Photos:




Cans share more photos if needed, just ask.

Generally a signature that has been scratched on is by a talented amateur or student. It is a very broad definition but very few professional potters in the UK have a signature of this nature. Its a well made pot but the firing of it seems to have had problems.

Hi Philpot!
Many thanks for your fast reply which regarding the signature makes sense. I'd be very interested to know if you could elaborate on what problems you see it may have during firing? I am keen to learn :)
Bw,
Pier

I agree with Philpot. There is a lot of pitting in the glaze, which is probably due to impurities - a common problem for students when the communal bucket of glaze becomes contaminated. And there is 'crawling' of the glaze on the rim of the vase, possibly due to natural body oils from the hands contaminating the clay surface and preventing the glaze from sticking to the clay
Another pointer to it being student work is the rough base. And the vase looks handbuilt - possibly coil built - rather than thrown on a wheel

If you are collecting and want to sell somethings on. Then the vase needs to be virtually perfect to be able to do this. Collectors are a very picky bunch, and are very particular about cracks, and imperfections. As in this one.
On the other hand. If you are just collecting what are interesting pieces to you. Then its a very cheap hobby, and you get individual hand made items.

Good afternoon Naomi & Philpot,

Many thanks for your fascinating insight, I have a greater fondness for the vase knowing this.
Currently I am just collecting little bits here and there that catch my eye, for the time being!

P