This hand-thrown 9"h x 7"w terra cotta vase by David Ropeik is hand-burnished to bring out a warm, muted luster. The etched lines are created using horse hair, which is thrown onto the vase during firing and immediately burns away. Smoke is absorbed into the clay where the hair touches the surface, leaving the complex and unique pattern. When finished, the piece is waxed for additional shine, and the interior is coated in polyurethane so the vase can safely hold water.