japanese

Ruscha Keramik 320/2 handled vase, designed by Heinz Siery, West Germany circa 1960’s

This is a Stunning Rare and Unusual Ruscha Keramik vase 320/2, West Germany circa 1960’s.

Ruscha was founded in 1948 by Rudolph Schardt and produced high quality pieces, they were renowned for their early experiments with glazes such as the ‘Vulkano’ glaze from 1959 one of the first ‘Fat Lava’ glazes.
This classic stylish form was designed by Heinz Siery, the bulbous body topped with a beautifully proportioned decorative handle and small neck.

The mottled matte glaze has turquoise, blue , grey and black colours and a fine pumice like texture. The motifs are tube lined in black and suggest stylised Japanese characters. Giving a very Mid Century Modern Oriental / Asian inspired look to the vase.

Would make a Great addition to any collection of West German / Fat Lava / European pottery, and would complement any retro, vintage, mid century, 60’s, minimal or contemporary interior.

In Excellent Condition, no marks, chips or scratches, there is one small hole in the tube lined glaze, probably from production, in the last photo.

Marked to the base 320/2 with indistinct stamped black lettering.

Measures 18 x 12 x 12cm / 7 x 4.75 x 4.75in.

ruscha vase

Ceramiche Zaccagnini Geisha playing a harp figurine, Florence, Italy circa 1940’s / 50’s


This is a beautiful and rare piece of Mid Century Modernist Italian pottery by the Zaccagnini pottery.  Depicting a Japanese Geisha playing a harp (kugo) the style owes much to the companies Art Nouveau and Art Deco heritage.  Produced under the tutelage of Urbano Zaccagnini who had taken over the pottery from his father Ugo in 1937, the focus shifted to decorative figurines, finding favour with high class US stores such as Tiffany’s. During this period they also produced limited, highly collectable and valuable figures for Disney.  This wonderful piece contrasts an unglazed matte base with a vibrant blue majolica glaze giving the stylised figure an ancient appearance.