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Albert Kiessling Studio Ceramic Vase Midcentury Crystalline Glaze DDR GDR H25cm
€399Bid from €360
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Berlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 23 sales
Product description
Albert Kiessling – Studio Ceramic Vase
Midcentury, ca. 1950s–1960s
Crystalline Glaze · Grey Ground with Blue Salt Crystals
Height 25 cm · Diameter 19 cm
A striking midcentury studio ceramic vase by Albert Kiessling, dating to the 1950s–1960s. This sculptural vessel exemplifies the experimental glaze techniques of postwar German studio ceramics, combining restrained form with a dramatically expressive crystalline surface.
Design & Glaze
The vase features a softly rounded, organic silhouette tapering toward a narrow opening, emphasizing volume and vertical flow. The body is covered in a finely crackled grey glaze that acts as a subdued, atmospheric ground.
Across this surface, luminous blue to light-blue high-gloss salt crystals have developed during firing, forming irregular crystalline blooms embedded within the glaze matrix. These crystallizations create depth and movement, shifting in intensity depending on the light.
The contrast between the matte-grey, subtly textured base and the glossy crystalline inclusions gives the piece a dynamic surface tension characteristic of midcentury European studio experimentation.
Technical Characteristics
Material: Studio ceramic
Glaze: Crystalline glaze with salt crystal effects
Color: Grey base with blue / light-blue crystalline formations
Dimensions:
Height: 25 cm
Diameter (widest point): 19 cm
Condition
Very good vintage condition.
No cracks or repairs. Minor signs of age consistent with careful handling. The crystalline glaze is well preserved and stable.
About the Artist
Albert Kiessling was active during the mid-20th century and is associated with the German studio pottery movement that emerged in the postwar decades. His work reflects the era’s focus on glaze research, kiln experimentation, and the elevation of ceramic vessels into autonomous sculptural objects.
Crystalline glazes, especially those incorporating salt-based effects and controlled crystal growth, require precise firing conditions and careful cooling cycles. Works of this type represent a technically demanding branch of studio ceramics and remain highly sought after among collectors of midcentury European pottery.
Why This Piece Stands Out
* Authentic 1950s–60s German studio ceramics
* Highly expressive crystalline glaze with vivid blue crystal blooms
* Strong sculptural presence and balanced proportions
* Ideal for collectors of midcentury studio pottery and glaze experimentation
This vase is not merely decorative—it is a kiln-born artifact of midcentury ceramic research, where chemistry, heat, and artistic control converge into a singular surface event.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Please explore my profile for more studio ceramics, West German pottery, and curated modernist design objects.
International buyers welcome. Import duties or taxes, if applicable, are the buyer’s responsibility.
All items are photographed and described with care. Vintage studio works may display kiln-related characteristics inherent to the making process; any significant flaws are clearly stated.
Private sale under German law: no returns, refunds, or warranties.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsGrey, Mint, Taupe, Multi ColorMaterialCeramicNumber of items1Height25 cmWidth19 cmDepth19 cm
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Seller information
About this seller
Berlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 23 sales