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ALBERT KIESSLING "SNAKESKIN" Vase DUO East German Pottery REDUKTIONSGLASUR GDR
€299Bid from €199
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Berlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 23 sales
Product description
Albert Kiessling Ceramic Vase Duo – Textured Studio Pottery, Germany, Mid–Late 20th Century
A striking duo of hand-crafted ceramic vases by German ceramicist Albert Kiessling, distinguished by their richly textured surfaces and organic, almost geological presence. These works exemplify the postwar studio pottery movement in Germany, where material, surface, and process take precedence over strict formalism.
The two vessels engage in a compelling dialogue: one slender and cylindrical, with a cool grey-white glaze punctuated by darker undertones; the other fuller and more bulbous, rendered in warm earthy tones with a finely crackled, scale-like surface. Both share a tactile, almost volcanic skin—suggesting erosion, sediment, and time captured in ceramic form.
Details
Designer: Albert Kiessling
Manufacturer: Studio pottery, Germany
Material: Ceramic (hand-formed, textured surface)
Finish: Matte
Color
Vase 1: White-grey with black undertones
Vase 2: Warm brown and off-white
Dimensions
Cylindrical vase: height approx. 16.5 cm, diameter approx. 7 cm
Bulbous vase: height approx. 19 cm, diameter approx. 10.5 cm
Condition
Good vintage condition with minor signs of age and use. No visible cracks or structural damage. The surfaces remain vivid and tactile, with natural irregularities inherent to studio ceramics.
About the Artist
Albert Kiessling is associated with the German studio pottery tradition of the mid-20th century, where emphasis was placed on individuality, material exploration, and surface experimentation. His works often feature dense, sculptural textures and earthy glazes that evoke natural formations—bridging functional ceramics and small-scale sculpture.
Design Notes
These vases are less about symmetry and more about surface narrative. The cracked, cellular textures create a rhythmic pattern that shifts under light, giving each piece a dynamic presence despite its compact scale. Together, they form a balanced yet contrasting pair—cool versus warm, vertical versus rounded, restraint versus abundance.
Ideal for collectors of studio ceramics, Wabi-Sabi interiors, or Brutalist-influenced decorative objects.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Please explore our profile for more vintage vases!
International buyers: import duties or taxes, if applicable, are the buyer’s responsibility.
All items are photographed and described with care. Vintage pieces may show minimal traces of age; any significant flaws will be clearly mentioned.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsBlue, Beige, Brown, Creme, BlackMaterialCeramicNumber of items2Height19 cmWidth10 cmDepth10 cm
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Seller information
About this seller
Berlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 23 sales