German mid-century, Ruscha blue, black and tan vase, c1960
This pitcher-shaped vase is quite elegant, as it gets thin at the top. It is decorated in designs based on squares. At the top and bottom are black square “spirals.” And the center panel has groupings of tan squares in a three-by-three arrangement on a black field. The three colors are very clean and fresh, and the simple glazes have just enough drip to make them interesting.
Post WWII German pottery went virtually unnoticed in the U.S. for decades. When German makers started producing art pottery after the war, the attachment to old traditions had been severed. Free to start from scratch, many makers were ready to experiment with totally new approaches in shapes and glazes. Because it was not done for export, much of it is unmarked or marked only with a style number. Today some refer to their designs as “retro,” but they were very avant-garde at the time. And this type of pottery was made only for a short period… most dated between 1955 and 1975.
This vase could probably be at home in many different environments. It almost looks as if it could have been inspired by an African or Native American design. In addition to a modern environment, it could fit well into an earthy, woody décor.
Condition: Mint. (Slight manufacturing imperfections are considered normal and aren’t mentioned unless they are significant.)
Measurements: The vase is 7.75 inches high and 4.75 inches wide.
Price: SOLD
Reference: N0000437
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