Feathers by Nelson artist Bridie Henderson was awarded the $15,000 Portage Ceramic Supreme Award at a ceremony in Auckland last week.
The judge, Australian ceramicist Janet Mansfield, said the piece was "stunning".
"It's rare to see work of such skill. The attention to detail seen in Feathers is exceptional," Ms Mansfield said.
"Many ceramic artists are inspired by the flora and fauna around them, but this work takes it one step further." The finalists included Otago potters Liz Fey, Lynda McNamara, Elise O'Neill, Amanda Shanley, all of Dunedin, and Marion Mewburn, of Millers Flat.
Ms Henderson (25), who works part-time as a cleaner, became the youngest recipient of the prize.
"I had to borrow money off mum and dad to pay for petrol and the ferry ticket so I could get my entry to Auckland," she said.
"This is the ultimate prize in the ceramic world. It still hasn't sunk in."
Hokitika tableware potter Chris Weaver was second, while the $1000 merit prize winners were Cheryl Oliver, of Tauranga, Maureen Allison, of Whangamata, Kirsty Gardiner, of Masterton, and Brendon Adams, of Auckland.
Two hundred and forty works had been entered this year.
