1978 Greg Shooner Studio Pottery Bowl Early Hand-Painted Sun Face Design

This is an early Greg Shooner studio pottery bowl signed Shooner 78, featuring a hand-painted sun face motif in green on a white-glazed ground. The piece is made of red earthenware clay, visible on the underside, and finished with a glossy lead-type glaze typical of North American studio pottery of the 1970s.

The design incorporates cut-out slotted openings around the inner rim, forming a radiating “sunburst” effect. The stylized face is surrounded by green brushwork leaves and dotted accents.

Maker: Greg Shooner (signed and dated 1978).  1978 is very early for his work - Shooner became interested in historical American pottery following the 1976 American Bicentennial.  It is possible that it was made by another Shooner, although the combination of red clay and the not-common name would appear somewhat unlikely.

Decoration: Hand-painted green and white glaze with face motif and pierced rim

Dimensions: 8 3/8" diameter, 2 3/8" height at edge

Condition: Displays well with surface wear and a visible hairline crack (as shown). No repairs. The glaze remains stable, and the piece is structurally sound for display.

This is a distinctive example of American studio pottery - despite the crack, a desirable collectible piece!