Gerhard Liebenthron 1925 - 2005

Stock Number: – OWA1353

Date: - Dated 1980

Materials: – German  Clay; An Advantage For Potters! The extensive clay quarries of the Westerwald region are the largest connected deposits in Europe. Only a few other regions in the world are known to have clay sources of comparable size and quality. Around 15 different types of clay occur here, including a very valuable white clay also known as “white gold”. The Westerwald clay has a high degree of ductility, is almost free of impurities and has very good sintering properties. These clays are perfectly suited for stoneware production, a high fired, waterproof, acid-resistant, impermeable pottery. The clay was easily kneaded, thrown, deformed as well as knitted, melt, beaten and whipped. It is a serious partner to the potter reacting to any treatment. 

Country of Origin: – Germany,  Bremen

Description: – A striking modernist inspired studio pottery jug made in 1980 by Gerhard Liebenthron in his Breman studio. The jug has a very strong tactile form and a multi layered flowing earthy tree-bark finish. 

Size & Weight: – The vase is approximately 27cm tall 

Condition: –  This stoneware vessel is in excellent condition without any chips, cracks, losses or restoration to the body or decoration. 

Photography: –  I have included several images of this bark like textured vase to show how the whole of the body looks. What you can not see is the texture which is very earthy. 

History & Marks:–  This example is signed and marked with the last two digits for the Year 1980. Whilst no one could say that this piece is a one off study. However, one could say that, although you may come across another example. One would quickly realise that each one stands alone –  ‘it is a one off’. I state this because the outcome of each piece of studio pottery depends deeply on how it is placed in the kiln and moreover, how it reacts during the firing. Very few studio pieces are totally identical.

Further Information:- Liebenthrons work is not rare on the whole, but there are works that are very desirable and collectable, especially the Picassoesque and graffiti painted vases along with those that are idiosyncratic in form or have abstract calligraphy, drip painting and organic flowing glazes. Liebenthrons work can be seen in many museums throughout Germany & private collections world wide. 

After producing hand-built 'free form' vases decorated with painted motifs, reminiscent of the work made by Capron and Portanier, in Vallauris during the 50s, Gerhard Liebenthron switched to stoneware, and produced a wide range of vessels: from domestic-size bowls, jugs and vases to larger pieces, whose primary function was decorative. Often these pieces provoke pareidolic imagery (seeing additional / illusional images within the design or glazes). These are most desirable. 

With the experience he had gained during the 50s, of making 'modern' works, in a Picassoesque free style, he sought further inspiration from German rural stoneware and from other traditions; including the Japanese, which was being discovered through exhibitions and publications. 

A group of Liebenthron's work, has been presented as a retrospective, illustrating the range of forms he evolved. From 1969, he replaced his bright colour glazes with thin washes of earthy pigments, half-way between abstract calligraphy and drip painting. These pieces are also collected by Interior Designers who are always look for something different and inspirational.

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Declaration:- This item is as described and dates from the period highlighted.

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