Rectangular German mid-century vase in red and oozing black/white lava, c1970

Lava is one of the most “extreme” concepts introduced by the German studios. This wonderful vase, probably a Keramik, has an abundance of oozing black and white lava dripping over the red base. Some lava had a dry look, but this lava is wet looking… as if it is still flowing. It’s very dimensional with many pits and peaks. The overall dimensions and form are quite pleasing, while the details in the glaze are fascinating and wonderful to look at.

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 piece would work beautifully with modern décor. And while German pottery has seen sharp increases in value, it is still in a price range that allows you to acquire several of them and make groupings. (See reference numbers N0001013 and N0000949 for vases that look very nice with this one.)

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

Measurements: The vase is 6.5 inches high and 5.5 inches wide and 2 inches deep.

Price: $185.00

Reference: N0001009

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