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Rare Carstens Tönnieshof Atelier Vase Fat Lava Rudolf Christmann Gerda Heukeroth
€360Bid from €270
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About this seller
Berlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 20 sales
Product description
Rare 1970s Fat Lava Vase by Carstens Tönnieshof – Sculptural Form by Rudolf Christmann, Lüsterglasur by Gerda Heukeroth
*Iconic West German Ceramic with Iridescent Lava Surface*
Description:
A bold expression of 1970s German ceramic artistry, this striking Fat Lava vase by Carstens Tönnieshof exemplifies the genre’s sculptural energy and technical experimentation. Designed by Rudolf Christmann and glazed by Gerda Heukeroth, the vase’s commanding silhouette and luminous surface elevate it from decorative object to a sculptural icon of collectible design.
Standing 30 cm tall with a dynamic, asymmetrical profile (29 cm at its widest), this model—0870-30—displays Christmann’s architectural and modernist approach to form: balanced, expressive, and unmistakably bold. The surface is treated with Heukeroth’s signature *Lüsterglasur*, a richly textured, iridescent glaze that captures light in volcanic, shimmering layers. A tactile and visual tour de force, the surface evokes the raw energy of molten rock while retaining the refinement and control of high studio artistry.
About the Maker:
Carstens Tönnieshof was among the most influential West German pottery producers of the postwar era, particularly celebrated in mid-century and 1970s design circles. Known for pushing technical boundaries and championing expressive forms, Carstens collaborated with leading designers and glaze artists to create some of the most iconic works of the Fat Lava movement. This piece exemplifies the firm’s synthesis of industrial design principles with studio-level creativity.
Design Credits:
* Form Designer: Rudolf Christmann
* Glaze Designer: Gerda Heukeroth
* Model Number: 0870-30
* Manufacturer: Carstens Tönnieshof, West Germany
* Circa: 1970s
Materials & Techniques:
* Ceramic
* Fat Lava technique with iridescent *Lüsterglasur*
* Hand-applied, high-relief surface texture
Dimensions:
* Height: 30 cm
* Maximum Width: 29 cm
* Minimum Width: 7 cm
* Weight: 1970 g
Condition:
Very good vintage condition. No chips or cracks. Minor signs of age-appropriate wear to the glaze, consistent with careful handling and display over time.
Stylistic and Cultural Context:
Emerging in postwar West Germany, the Fat Lava aesthetic challenged traditional notions of ceramic beauty through its volcanic textures, thick glazes, and organic exuberance. The movement paralleled broader cultural shifts toward earthiness, expressive materiality, and a renewed reverence for the handmade—values that stood in contrast to the sterile rationalism of earlier design. Christmann’s sculptural approach and Heukeroth’s alchemical surface treatments embody this era’s spirit of experimentation, energy, and tactile modernism.
Why Collect This Piece?
This vase is more than a decorative statement—it is a tangible piece of design history. Its rare form, signature glaze, and exceptional provenance make it a standout in any mid-century or contemporary interior. It is also an important document of a pivotal moment in German ceramic production, when art and industry collided to produce objects of lasting cultural and aesthetic value.
Shipping:
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I try to describe all the items as accurately and as honestly as possible, and I always include photos of the actual items.
Please keep in mind that I am not an expert but an enthusiastic collector. I do my best to research the item and its history and pass that information, so if you know anything of interest that I have not included, I am always interested in learning. Vintage or pre-owned items will often show some signs of wear due to their age, and there may be something I overlooked.
There can be naturally occurring manufacturer's defects, slight surface scratching, or wear consistent with normal use.
Any condition outside normal vintage wear, like chips or cracks or serious defaults, will be noted and/or clearly visible on the photos.
Most importantly: this is a transaction between a private seller and a private buyer of secondhand items, so no refunds or returns are accepted, nor any claims of guarantee or similar services.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsCreme, Multi Color, Beige, BrownMaterialCeramicNumber of items1Height30 cmWidth29 cmDepth7 cm
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Seller information
About this seller
Berlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 20 sales