Currently held on consignment at Andrews Oakville
This sleek and chic work of iconic mid-century Modern art pottery is by the designer Cili Wörsdörfer for the influential studio of Ruscha Keramik (1905 - 1996).
The boldly curved form complimented by the sleekly exaggerated arched handle is reminiscent of popular works by Italian art potteries such as Bertoncello Ceramiche, Roberto Rigon and Nino Strada of Deruta. This form is an excellent canvas for the semi-matte silky yer sumptuous glaze with similarly bold curves, arcs and rounded-angular shapes, in its striking colour palette.
With echoes of Italian mid-century art pottery design influences in the form and Picasso-Cubist-esque design to the glaze, it's easy to see why this piece was part of Ruscha's popular series Milano.
The combination of this piece's form, condition, size, and palette make it an even rarer find considering the scarcity of Milano pieces and the 315 pitcher form. This work makes it an excellent statement piece for standalone display.
CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks, or repair. There is negligible surface wear and movement marks on the underside of the base that is commensurable with the age of the piece - please see photos as part of the condition report. The underside of the base is signed with '315, Ruscha, Handgemalt (Handmade) MM'.
MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 8.9" / 22.5 cm (from base to rim) x c. 8.5" / 21.5 cm in width (across widest point). Base measurements: c. 3.9" / 10 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 1.3 kg / 1,295 g
A BIT OF HISTORY
Ruscha (established 1906 - 1996) Originally founded in Rheinbach by Georg Schardt, it was known as Klein & Schardt until 1948. Rudolf Schardt would take over the company and rename it to Ruscha, the name created from the first letters of his fore and surname. As Ruscha entered the ceramics boom in the 1950s, the pottery was joined by art pottery director Cili Wörsdörfer who made her handpainted designs for series such as Milano and Zebra wildly popular. Otto Gerharz was the production director, designing innovative glazes such as Vulkano.
Ruscha would later add to its success with Kurt Tschörner who designed whimsical and daring forms such as the 313 jug that became sought-after hits.
Other greats who joined Ruscha included Ernst Borens, Hans Welling and Adele Bolz. Unfortunately, the pottery's success came to an end in the 1990s, when it finally closed its doors in 1996, selling its name and many designs to Scheurich who produced vintage inspired designs under the 'Ruscha Art' brand.