NEW sculptures by Darlington ceramic artist Carolyn Corfield feature in a new exhibition at the Oriental Museum in Durham City.

The museum is renowned for its specialist collections of Egyptian and Asian artefacts and Ms Corfield has based her work on the symbolic role of the lotus flower.

In Buddhism, the white lotus refers to spiritual and mental perfection and is linked to the Hindu goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi, which she has portrayed in polished porcelain.

Acknowledging Egyptian creation mythology, another sculpture combines colourful Egyptian faience and terracotta, illustrating "blue lotus arising from a newly created earth".

Significantly, the artist uses the female form for a group of five sculptures exploring the heritage of the lotus flower which is associated with the birth of the Buddha. In Hindu belief, it is representative of the female life principle.

The exhibition has been organised by the North-East region of the Northern Potters Association.There is a meet the artists event on Sunday, November 15, from 2-4pm. In all, 14 ceramic artists have come together to create a diverse display of work ranging from hand-thrown pots to narrative sculpture.

It runs until December 17. Opening times are Monday to Friday, 10am-5pm, and Saturday and Sunday, from noon-5pm. Call 01913 345694 for more details/