THE ITEM
This rare find Otto Keramik UFO vase is definitively a statement piece.
The presence from its height and diameter draws the eye to appreciate the refined mottled glaze, blending a spectrum of slate blues, ranging from pale to deep and interspersing this melding with dusting of golden brown. This piece would suit a minimalist, contemporary, modernist or industrial themed room.
A BIT OF HISTORY
Founded by Otto Gerharz (who had been the arts director at Ruscha since 1951) in 1964 in Rheinbach. Otto Gerharz was extremely - almost obsessively interested in the chemistry and left Ruscha to set up a workshop at home to research glazes.
He set up a company in 1970 and until 1996, all glazes were produced by Otto. He worked with Kurt Tschorner (who had also worked at Ruscha) who produced the shapes (all until 1987). A small company with a small group of employees (20 max) and therefore there was no mass production.
Otto items are distinct in that all the bases of the items were covered with felt in a range of different colours. Beneath the felt the clay is white, flat and without numbers. Only the more modern items that are in production today have numbers on the base and are not always entirely covered with felt.
CONDITION
Excellent, no crazing as might be expected for a piece of this age, light marks on the underside of the vase belly commensurable with age, please see photos as part of the condition report.
MEASUREMENTS
c. 11.8" / 30 cm tall x c. "12.6 / 32 cm diameter across the widest point.
Unpackaged weight: c. 2.8 kg / 2,751 g
NOTES
Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured.
Shipping will be combined for multiple items.