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Martin Schlotz Architectural Studio Ceramic Vase German Contemporary Pottery XL
€749
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Private sellerBerlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 28 sales
Product description
Martin Schlotz Unique Salt-Fired Porcelain Vessel – Germany, Contemporary Studio Pottery
A remarkable architectural vessel by German ceramic artist Martin Schlotz, whose work is celebrated for its precision, material sophistication, and extraordinary sensitivity to form. This sculptural vase exemplifies Schlotz’s ability to transform simple geometric volumes into objects of exceptional presence through proportion, surface treatment, and technical mastery.
The vessel is constructed as a carefully balanced sequence of cylindrical and conical forms. A softly tapering body rises toward a pronounced collar and recessed opening, creating a silhouette that recalls modernist architecture, industrial design, and ceremonial vessels simultaneously. Its strong vertical emphasis is counterbalanced by subtle transitions in volume, resulting in a composition that feels both monumental and restrained.
Particularly extraordinary is the material composition and firing process. According to Martin Schlotz himself, this vessel is executed in grey-coloured chamotte porcelain (schamottiertes Porzellan), coated with a Limoges engobe and finished in a salt firing. The combination of these materials and processes produces a richly nuanced surface in which warm ivory, beige, ochre, bronze-brown, and graphite tones emerge through atmospheric transitions and subtle variations in texture.
Depending on changing light conditions, the surface can evoke weathered metal, mineral deposits, volcanic stone, or naturally aged architectural materials. The interaction between the refined porcelain body, the textured chamotte inclusions, the Limoges engobe, and the salt-glazed finish creates exceptional visual depth and complexity.
What makes this vessel especially significant is its singular place within the artist’s oeuvre. Martin Schlotz has confirmed that this is the only porcelain work of this type he produced using the salt-firing technique. As such, it represents a unique technical and artistic exploration that was never repeated.
The artist has further confirmed that the piece is documented in his archive under the work number 1804 and originated from a well-known private collection in Freiburg, providing a level of provenance rarely encountered in contemporary studio ceramics.
Unlike mass-produced ceramics, Schlotz’s work is defined by a quiet confidence. Every proportion, transition, and surface effect feels deliberate, resulting in an object that functions equally as vessel and sculpture.
Artist
Martin Schlotz is regarded as one of Germany’s most accomplished contemporary ceramic artists. His work is characterised by exceptional craftsmanship, architectural clarity, and sophisticated surface development. Working at the intersection of studio pottery and sculptural object-making, Schlotz creates unique vessels that are highly regarded by collectors of contemporary ceramics, modern design, and studio craft.
His works demonstrate a profound understanding of balance, materiality, and firing processes, earning him recognition among collectors seeking museum-quality studio ceramics distinguished by both technical excellence and artistic integrity.
Design Details
Artist: Martin Schlotz
Origin: Germany
Material: Grey-coloured chamotte porcelain with Limoges engobe
Technique: Salt-fired porcelain
Finish: Textured salt-glazed surface
Colours: Ivory, beige, ochre, bronze-brown, graphite
Archive Number: 1804
Provenance: Formerly part of a noted private collection in Freiburg
Type: Unique studio ceramic vessel
Dimensions
Height: 35 cm
Width: 13.5 cm
Depth: 13.5 cm
Opening Diameter: 5.5 cm
Condition
Excellent condition. No chips, cracks, or restorations observed. Minor firing characteristics, natural variations in the salt glaze, and subtle surface irregularities are inherent to the artist’s process and contribute to the individuality of the piece.
Why This Piece Stands Out
• Unique studio ceramic by acclaimed German ceramic artist Martin Schlotz
• Executed in grey-coloured chamotte porcelain with Limoges engobe
• The only known porcelain vessel of this type created by the artist using a salt-firing process
• Documented in the artist’s archive under work number 1804
• Provenance traced to a noted private collection in Freiburg
• Architectural form with strong sculptural presence
• Rich atmospheric surface reminiscent of weathered metal, mineral patina, and geological formations
• Exceptional craftsmanship and technical refinement
• Suitable for contemporary, modernist, wabi-sabi, and collector-focused interiors
• A singular statement object even without flowers
This vessel embodies the qualities that distinguish outstanding studio ceramics from decorative pottery: material intelligence, formal discipline, technical innovation, and an ability to transform space through presence alone. Whether displayed individually or alongside contemporary art and design objects, it functions as both vessel and sculpture, while representing a unique and documented work within the artistic practice of Martin Schlotz.
General Information
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Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsBeige, Brown, Green, Multi ColorMaterialCeramicNumber of items1Height35 cmWidth13 cmDepth13 cm
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Seller information
About this seller
Private sellerBerlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 28 sales