THE ITEM
Two spectacular pieces of porcelain art by Johan Van Loon, true to his artistic trademark - these are an excellent embodiment of juxtapositions.
The undulating ripples of the matte textured drapes as if it was fabric, the 'fabric' is wrapped around the smooth gloss surface of the structured porcelain body. The visually woven texture of the 'fabric', its ripples and ridges that would otherwise appear along the folds of soft fabric is all held together in one piece next to the glossy-smooth to touch, fine porcelain.
These works of art speak to Van Loons fascination and creativity with ceramic and textile on multiple levels and were created when he was a guest designer at Rosenthal Studio Line. These are pieces which are well deserving of a place in a contemporary, modernist or even industrial decor themed room.
A BIT OF HISTORY
Johan Gerard van Loon
Johan van Loon (1934 - present) is a Dutch ceramist and textile artist. Van Loon studied textile design in Amsterdam and Copenhagen until 1960, during this time, his fascination in ceramics began to manifest and he mastered the skills of a ceramist. During his career, he continued to study and refine, working and learning from well-known names of the time such as Jos Eppens-van Veen, Thera Hofstede Crull, Lucie Rie, Stig Lindberg, Kylikki Salmenhaara and Jan van der Vaart. Van Loons influences came from many places, Amsterdam, London, Stockholm, Helsinki and Copenhagen. Absorbing everything that came his way, over the course of the years Van Loon gained the great technical proficiency that gives him the freedom to express the wealth of his ideas. Few ceramicists are so intrigued by the characteristics of the material as Van Loon. Often the material itself is the locus of expression, usually taking the form of a container, however far removed that may be from its original function.
Rosenthal (1879 - present)
The company founder, Philipp Rosenthal, moved his porcelain painting skills from Werl (North Rhine-Westphalia) to Selb in Bavaria, which he industrialised in the castle Erkersreuth with his painting workshop. The company grew from strength to strength over the years, with original pieces designed by artists such as Salvador Dalí, Andy Warhol, Wilhelm Wagenfeld and Walter Gropius. By 1997, Rosenthal was the market leader for high-quality porcelain and glassware in Germany and was the world market leader in conjunction with Waterford Wedgwood.
Rosenthal studio-line, a brand of Rosenthal made design-oriented crockery and art objects made of porcelain and glass. Sadly, in 2008, the Waterford Wedgwood Group wanted to divest the Rosenthal share package due to liquidity difficulties and as a result of the subsequent collapse of Waterford Wedgwood, the company filed for insolvency in January 2009. Today, Rosenthal operates as an independent company and is part of Sambonet Paderno Industrie.
CONDITION
Excellent, no chips, cracks or scratches - please see photos as part of the condition report. Base of both vases bear Van Loon's signature, as well as the 'Rosenthal Porcelaine Noire, Germany' mark.
MEASUREMENTS
Ginger Jar Form Vase c. 6.3" / 16 cm in height by c. 5.5" / 14 cm (across the body's widest point) Unpackaged weight: c. 0.6 kg / 610 g
Cylinder Form Vase c. 7.5" / 19 cm in height by c. 3.2" /8 cm (across the body's widest point) Unpackaged: c. 0.3 kg / 305 g
NOTES
Vase(s) will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured.
Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
