German mid-century, Scheurich wet black/white lava and red vase, c1970

Wet-looking black and white lava covers most of this vase. Then it appears to have deep cuts down to a rich red layer. Of course, that’s an illusion because the “red layer” was actually glazed after the cuts were made. It’s a great effect. Look again, and you’ll notice that the red gouges are accented with black. These vases sometimes look like happy accidents, but there is great skill and artistry in achieving these funky glazing effects.

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.

German mid-century art pottery is becoming very collectable. Once ignored and even disliked for being too extreme, it is finally being recognized and appreciated. It works beautifully with modern décor. While prices have climbed considerably, it is still in a range that allows you to acquire several of them and make groupings. (The smaller vase in the same colors is reference number N0000946. These two probably came from the same home because it’s not that easy to find an exact match.)

Condition: Mint. (Slight manufacturing imperfections are considered normal and aren’t mentioned unless they are significant.)

Measurements: The vase is 9 inches high and 4.75 inches wide.

Price: $175.00

Reference: N0000948

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