Elstra WHK - Paul Jürgel - Vase - East German Pottery - Ceramic

Paul Jürgel Elstra studio ceramic vase - Germany 20's-30's - Art Déco

Beautiful studio ceramic vase by Paul Jürgel Studio in Elstra from the 20s-30s. The vase is glazed metallic brown-black with animal-like irregular spots on the outside. On the floor is the manufacturer press brand.

Jürgel Pottery is likely one of the oldest pottery workshops still in operation in Germany, dating back to the 14th century as recorded in the city's chronicles. In 1828, the first Jürgel acquired the pottery through inheritance from his father-in-law. Today, the entire pottery is a protected historical site and is currently managed by Michael Jürgel, the sixth generation.

In 1908, Paul Jürgel attended the ceramic trade school in Bunzlau and learned the art of "Schwämmeln" (sponge painting) . He introduced this technique to the Upper Lusatia region. The beauty of these decorative patterns aimed to overshadow the weaknesses of pottery compared to enameled metalware, which posed competition around the turn of the century. In the Jürgel workshop, patterns were rich and diverse. Natural sponges (elephant ears) were cut into circles, squares, rhombuses, and dots, dipped in oxide colors, and used to create edges, floral motifs, and other ornaments on raw clay pieces through precise placement. Combining various base patterns led to a surprising diversity in design, further enhanced by the changing colour palette.

The mid-20th century was a period of significant artistic expression in various parts of the world, and East Germany was no exception. After World War II, the country found itself divided into East and West, with the eastern part becoming the German Democratic Republic (GDR) and embracing socialism and the Soviet influence. This political environment had a profound impact on art and culture, including the field of ceramics.

Manufacturer: Paul Jürgel Elstra, German Pottery

Measurements:

H 23 cm

Dia 12 cm

Dia opening 6,5 cm

Condition: Very good vintage condition with reasonable wear consistent with normal use and age.

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