VEB Haldensleben Model 2905 — East Germany, c. 1960s/70s
A superb and highly sculptural example of East German mid-century ceramic design, produced by VEB Keramische Werke Haldensleben in the former GDR.
This is the distinctive Model 2905 “Lochvase” — an architectural rectangular form pierced by a dramatic circular opening and transformed here by an extraordinary raised relief decoration.
Thick, almost volcanic dark brown/black vertical ribs run across a mottled olive-green ground, contrasting beautifully with the rich ochre and burnt-orange glaze surrounding the opening. The combination of geometric form, earthy colour and highly tactile surface gives the piece a distinctly Brutalist / Fat Lava character.
What makes this particular example especially interesting is its decoration.
Other documented examples of Haldensleben’s 2905 form can be found in considerably more restrained smooth and mottled glazes. This heavily textured ribbed treatment appears to be a much less commonly encountered variation and makes an already unusual form particularly striking.
The vase also retains its wonderful original red and gold “Made in GDR” paper label — an increasingly scarce survivor and a lovely piece of the object’s history.
Turned over, the base is clearly incised: 2905.
A beautiful piece for a serious collection of East German ceramics, Fat Lava pottery or European mid-century design, but equally successful simply as a sculptural object in a contemporary interior.
It has tremendous presence for a relatively compact piece.
13 cms tall and wide by 7 cms deep
VEB Haldensleben Model 2905 — East Germany, c. 1960s/70s
A superb and highly sculptural example of East German mid-century ceramic design, produced by VEB Keramische Werke Haldensleben in the former GDR.
This is the distinctive Model 2905 “Lochvase” — an architectural rectangular form pierced by a dramatic circular opening and transformed here by an extraordinary raised relief decoration.
Thick, almost volcanic dark brown/black vertical ribs run across a mottled olive-green ground, contrasting beautifully with the rich ochre and burnt-orange glaze surrounding the opening. The combination of geometric form, earthy colour and highly tactile surface gives the piece a distinctly Brutalist / Fat Lava character.
What makes this particular example especially interesting is its decoration.
Other documented examples of Haldensleben’s 2905 form can be found in considerably more restrained smooth and mottled glazes. This heavily textured ribbed treatment appears to be a much less commonly encountered variation and makes an already unusual form particularly striking.
The vase also retains its wonderful original red and gold “Made in GDR” paper label — an increasingly scarce survivor and a lovely piece of the object’s history.
Turned over, the base is clearly incised: 2905.
A beautiful piece for a serious collection of East German ceramics, Fat Lava pottery or European mid-century design, but equally successful simply as a sculptural object in a contemporary interior.
It has tremendous presence for a relatively compact piece.
13 cms tall and wide by 7 cms deep
