Scherzer Vase by Werner Uhl – Mid-Century Modern Op Art in Matte Bisque Porcelain | Model 502-2, 1970s
A sculptural masterpiece of West German design, this 28 cm vase by Werner Uhl for Scherzer Bavaria embodies the bold aesthetic experimentations of the 1970s—where Op Art met tactile minimalism.
Model 502-2 stands out through its rhythmic surface: a seamless pattern of raised, almond-shaped reliefs that evoke both optical precision and a softened architectural rigor. Crafted from fine bisque porcelain in immaculate matte white, it absorbs light rather than reflects it, creating an intimate dialogue of shadow and texture. The vase’s cylindrical form is modest, yet its presence is commanding—like a column of quiet modernism.
Details
• Designer: Werner Uhl
• Manufacturer: Scherzer Bavaria, Germany
• Model: 502-2
• Height: 28 cm · Diameter: 10 cm · Approx. weight: 1.2 kg
• Material: Bisque porcelain (matt, unglazed)
• Period: 1970s
• Marked on base: Scherzer Bavaria Germany + impressed model number
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition. No chips, cracks, or repairs. Minor manufacturing irregularities consistent with the production technique and era.
Context & Legacy
Werner Uhl was among the visionary voices of postwar German porcelain. His relief-based designs for Scherzer blend the structural clarity of modernism with a sense of tactile intrigue. Uhl’s porcelain is not merely decorative—it’s architectural, meditative, and sculpturally informed.
Founded in 1880, Scherzer became an incubator for avant-garde forms during the postwar decades. Their collaboration with Uhl signals a key moment in design history, when ceramic production embraced the visual languages of Minimalism, Op Art, and Bauhaus functionality.
Collector's Notes
This vase is ideal for interiors ranging from Japandi and Nordic to Brutalist or Contemporary settings. Its matte surface pairs elegantly with soft textiles, raw woods, or dark metal contrasts. Whether displayed alone or in a composition of varied volumes, it commands attention with its quiet sophistication.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Questions are welcome and will be answered promptly.
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.
Private sale under law: no returns, refunds, or warranties.
Specifications
ConditionExcellentColorsWhiteMaterialPorcelainNumber of items1Height28 cmWidth10 cmDepth10 cm