Scheurich Jug Vase 400-22, Fat Lava Green, Amber & Yellow, 22 cm, 1970s

This handled vase was made by Scheurich in Kleinheubach am Main, one of the best-known producers of West German art pottery in the 1960s and 1970s. The base is impressed with the shape number 400-22 and “W. Germany”; following Scheurich’s usual system, the first number denotes the shape and the second the height in centimetres. The slender form, tapering conically towards the top and fitted with a side strap handle, is one of the company’s longest-running models and was produced in numerous decors. The combination of glossy running glazes and thickly foamed lava glaze places this vase in the 1970s, the heyday of West German Pottery known internationally as Fat Lava.

The decor divides the body into horizontal zones. Neck and foot show a bottle-green ground with pale blue and white streaks that run out in a foamy texture, between them bands of amber and caramel brown with bright yellow inclusions. Several rings of black-grey, crater-like lava glaze stand out in relief and accentuate the ribbed shoulder and the transition to the neck. The handle is glazed dark green with yellow highlights, the opening brown inside, and the base green with an unglazed light foot ring. Depending on the light, the tones shift between petrol, olive and honey.

As a standalone piece on a sideboard, windowsill or shelf, or with dried flowers or a few branches, the vase suits a mid-century or seventies interior and complements any collection of West German ceramics. It is in very good condition without chips, cracks or hairlines; small irregularities and bubbles in the glaze result from the making and are part of the character of lava glazes. The vase measures 22 cm in height, 11.5 cm in width including the handle and 9 cm in depth.