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Horst Kerstan Studio Ceramic Vase – Celadon Crackle Glaze Sphere, Germany, 1987
€490
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Private sellerBerlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 25 sales
Product description
Horst Kerstan Studio Ceramic Vase – Celadon Crackle Glaze Sphere, Germany, 1987
An exceptional studio ceramic vase by Horst Kerstan, one of Germany's most respected post-war ceramic artists and master potters. Signed and dated 1987, this substantial hand-thrown vessel embodies the refined balance between traditional ceramic craftsmanship and contemporary studio pottery that characterised Kerstan's mature work.
The vase presents a beautifully restrained spherical form resting on a discreet circular foot. Its near-perfect proportions create a sense of calm monumentality, while the remarkable glaze transforms the object into a landscape of colour and texture.
The surface is covered in a luminous celadon-green crackle glaze, enriched by a dramatic horizontal band of deep charcoal, graphite, and iron-brown tones that encircles the body like a distant horizon. Delicate crystalline effects and subtle mineral deposits emerge within the darker areas, creating extraordinary visual depth. The extensive crackle network lends the piece a timeless quality reminiscent of historic East Asian stoneware traditions while remaining unmistakably modern in expression.
The narrow recessed opening further emphasises the sculptural purity of the form, allowing the vase to function equally well as a vessel or as an autonomous ceramic object.
About the Artist
Horst Kerstan (born 1941) is among Germany's most celebrated studio ceramicists. Trained within the tradition of German studio pottery, he became particularly known for his technically sophisticated glazes, exceptional firing control, and forms inspired by East Asian ceramic aesthetics. His work is represented in important public and private collections and is highly regarded among collectors of contemporary ceramics.
Design & Aesthetic
This piece exemplifies Kerstan's ability to combine disciplined form with complex glaze chemistry. The contrast between the serene celadon ground and the atmospheric dark band creates a visual effect reminiscent of landscapes, geological strata, or distant mountain horizons. The result is both meditative and dramatic.
Details
Artist: Horst Kerstan
Origin: Germany
Date: 1987
Material: Studio ceramic
Glaze: Celadon crackle glaze with dark crystalline banding
Colour: Celadon green, charcoal, brown, and black
Signed and dated: Kerstan 87
Dimensions
Height: 17 cm
Diameter: 19.5 cm
Opening Diameter: 7.5 cm
Condition
Excellent vintage condition.
No chips, cracks, repairs, or restorations observed. Minor firing and glaze characteristics inherent to the artist's process.
Collector's Note
Works by Horst Kerstan occupy an important position within German studio ceramics of the late twentieth century. Large-scale examples with complex crackle glazes and atmospheric surface effects such as this are particularly sought after, combining sculptural presence with exceptional ceramic craftsmanship. The piece stands comfortably alongside the finest European interpretations of traditional celadon pottery while maintaining a distinctly modern artistic identity.
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 goodColorsTurquoise, Green, Multi ColorMaterialCeramicNumber of items1StyleVintageOrientationLandscapeArt sizeSmallHeight17 cmWidth20 cm
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Seller information
About this seller
Private sellerBerlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 25 sales