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XL Sgraffito Relief Ceramic Floor Vase – Anton Piesche & Reif, Model 51B/40, East Germany, 1960s GDR
€199Bid from €179
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Private sellerBerlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 25 sales
Product description
Sgraffito Relief Ceramic Floor Vase – Anton Piesche & Reif, Model 51B/40, East Germany, 1960s
A substantial and visually striking East German ceramic floor vase produced by Anton Piesche & Reif during the 1960s. Executed in the celebrated sgraffito technique, the vase combines bold geometric ornament with a strong architectural silhouette, reflecting the distinctive aesthetic language of mid-century GDR ceramics.
The elongated ovoid body is articulated through alternating vertical panels of incised decoration. Broad diagonal bands, rhythmic dotted textures, and deeply carved linear elements create a dynamic interplay between glossy dark-brown glaze and exposed sandy-beige clay. The contrast between polished and matte surfaces gives the vase exceptional depth and tactile presence, while the hand-worked sgraffito decoration reveals the craftsmanship behind each individual piece.
Its scale and proportions place it firmly within the tradition of decorative floor ceramics that became highly popular in East Germany during the postwar decades. At 40 cm in height, the vase possesses a commanding sculptural quality even when displayed without flowers, functioning equally as a ceramic artwork and interior design statement.
Anton Piesche & Reif was among the notable ceramic workshops operating within the GDR, producing vessels that balanced traditional craftsmanship with modernist decorative experimentation. Pieces featuring complex hand-cut sgraffito decoration are increasingly sought after by collectors of East German design and postwar European ceramics.
Dimensions
Height: 40 cm
Width: 17 cm
Depth: 17 cm
Opening Diameter: 9 cm
Material
Hand-decorated ceramic with glossy and matte finishes
Brand
Anton Piesche & Reif
Designer
Anton Piesche & Reif
Model
51B/40
Color
Brown, beige
Era
1960s
Origin
East Germany (GDR)
Condition
Very good vintage condition. No chips, cracks, or restorations observed. Minor traces of age and production irregularities consistent with hand-crafted studio and workshop ceramics of the period.
Remarks
Original model number 51B/40 impressed on the underside. Decorated using the sgraffito technique, with hand-incised geometric motifs revealing the natural clay body beneath the dark glaze. A particularly successful example of East German mid-century ceramic design.
The restrained colour palette and graphic ornamentation make this piece especially versatile in contemporary interiors, where it pairs beautifully with natural woods, woven materials, Brutalist furniture, and modernist decorative objects. Equally compelling as a standalone sculptural object or as part of a curated collection of postwar European ceramics.
General Information
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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 goodColorsBeige, BrownMaterialCeramicNumber of items1Height40 cmWidth17 cmDepth17 cm
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Seller information
About this seller
Private sellerBerlin, GermanyOn Whoppah since August 2023 • 25 sales