Heinrich Fuchs for Lorenz Hutschenreuther – “ARCHAIS” Vase | Rare Glossy Glaze Porcelain, Germany, 1960s–1970s
A refined sculptural porcelain vase from the influential ARCHAIS series by Heinrich Fuchs, designed for Lorenz Hutschenreuther during the late 1960s. This example is particularly notable for its rare glossy glaze—an uncommon variation within the series, which is more frequently encountered in matte bisque porcelain—adding depth, reflectivity, and a heightened sense of material presence.
Design & Form
The vase is structured through a controlled vertical rhythm that balances organic growth with geometric order. Fuchs’s relief language operates at the intersection of Op Art and archaic symbolism, where repetition and modulation create a subtle optical vibration across the surface.
In this glossy execution, light does not merely graze the relief but actively inhabits it—enhancing contrast, sharpening edges, and amplifying the sculptural articulation of the form. The result is a more dynamic and luminous interpretation of the ARCHAIS vocabulary.
Details
Designer: Heinrich Fuchs
Manufacturer: Lorenz Hutschenreuther, Germany
Series: ARCHAIS
Model: 6142/20
Material: Porcelain
Finish: Rare glossy glaze (uncommon variant)
Color: White
Design period: circa 1965–1970
Dimensions
Height: 20 cm
Width: approx. 8 cm
Marked with factory stamp and signed “Fuchs” at the base.
Condition
Excellent vintage condition with minimal signs of age and use. No chips, cracks, or restorations. The glaze remains vibrant and well preserved.
Designer Context
Heinrich Fuchs was a central figure in postwar German porcelain design, known for translating Op Art principles into three-dimensional form. His ARCHAIS series represents a defining moment in Hutschenreuther’s shift toward modernist abstraction, merging archaic, almost totemic sensibilities with the visual experimentation of the 1960s.
Design Context
Produced during a period in which German porcelain manufacturers actively engaged with contemporary art movements, this vase reflects a broader dialogue between craft and perception. The ARCHAIS series stands out for its ability to reconcile primitive visual language with modern optical thinking, resulting in objects that feel both timeless and distinctly of their era.
Collector’s Perspective
Glossy-glazed examples of the ARCHAIS series are significantly rarer than their matte counterparts, making this piece particularly desirable for collectors seeking nuanced variations within established design lines.
A sculptural object that operates equally as vessel and artwork—precise, tactile, and quietly radical.
GENERAL INFORMATION
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All items are photographed and described with care. Vintage pieces may show minimal traces of age; any significant flaws will be clearly mentioned.
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Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsWhiteMaterialPorcelainNumber of items1Height20 cmWidth8 cmDepth8 cm