Currently held on consignment at Andrews Oakville
This striking work of mid-century design is by Emons & Sohne, ES Keramiks of Germany. The simple ovoid but grand-sized form (c. 35 cm / 13.8" tall) is an excellent canvas for the eye-catching glaze decor. The base glaze is a glossy golden Bumblebee yellow, over which is poured the sumptuous gloss black fat lava. The black fat lava has been applied into a lush texture around the rim and 'shoulders' of the vase and then permitted to run free-flow down the upper half of the vase creating the feathered strokes all around the body.
The combination of the size and the contrast in the colour palette, as well as the contrast of textures between the smooth yellow and black fat lava, makes this a rare statement piece.
CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks, crazing, or repairs. There is light use wear that is predominantly found in movement marks on the underside of the base and negligible grazes which are commensurate with the age of the piece. Please refer to the photos as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the base is marked '885/40'.
MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 13.8" / 35 cm tall x c. 4.6" / 11.8 cm base diameter. Rim diameter: c. 3.5" / 9 cm. Diameter across widest point: c. 9" / 23 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 4.3 kg / 4,310 g
A BIT OF HISTORY
ES Keramik was founded in Rheinbach in 1921 by Josef Emons & Söhne. The studio began producing art ceramics began during the 1950s with Willi Hack as the main designer. Hans Kraemer was also another designer who began working for ES from 1952 until 1968, producing 15-20 designs per year. ES employed around 70 people at its height and was known for their high quality, beautiful glazes.