Michael Gates 4.5" Gilgamesh Head DP6272 SOLD

Michael Gates is a North Carolina potter and a descendant of a German family synonymous with time honored traditions: The Reinhardt Pottery. He is a sixth-generation potter carrying on techniques while adding his own inspired voice.

This striking ceramic head titled Gilgamesh showcases Michael Gates' ability to blend ancient mythology, folk art, and contemporary ceramic expression into a compact yet powerful form. Finished in a creamy white glaze and decorated with bold black brushwork, the piece features an elongated face with heavy-lidded eyes, stylized beard patterns, and symbolic markings that wrap around the entire surface.

Stars, geometric motifs, flowing lines, and tattoo-like imagery transform the sculpture into a storytelling object, inviting viewers to explore every side. The title references the legendary Mesopotamian king Gilgamesh, adding a layer of mythic presence to the work. Though modest in scale, the piece possesses a commanding personality and exemplifies Gates' distinctive approach to narrative ceramics.

An excellent addition for collectors of contemporary folk art, outsider ceramics, and Michael Gates' imaginative sculptural work.

This piece is 4.5" tall, with a 2.75" base.

Ships with tracking and insurance for $18.  Pottery does not ship outside the continental US