Klotilde Giefer Bahn (1924 - 2008) Höhr-Grenzhausen

Stock Number: – OWA720

Date: - Circa 1960s/70

Materials: – German Westerwald 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, Höhr Grenzhausen 

Description: – A charming salt-glaze globular vase made in the Höhr-Grenzhausen studios of Klotilde Giefer-Bahn. The vase is superbly decorated in sgraffito and enamels with a delightful modernist design which repeats around the vase.

I personally love this vase and the simplicity of it. Moreover, when you study the images you can see how the colour changes from dark, to lightened shades. This indicates the position it was in the kiln when firing. A truely hand potted, one off! 

Size & Weight: – The vase is 16cm tall and 19cm wide. The weight of the vase is 1070g

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

Photography: – The photographs are a true likeness of the vase, there may be some slight changes in colour; this is the real piece showing colour changes made during the firing.

History & Marks:– The vase is inscribed Giefer Bahn to the base.

Studio Art pottery Klotilde Giefer-Bahn.

The studio was founded in 1947 and was known as "Geschwister Bahn" Pottery. Klothilde was born in Koblenz 1924. She began her pottery apprenticeship with the very well respected Elfriede Balzar-Kopp in 1938. In 1941 Klotilde passed her journeyman's examination (apprenticeship) and then began studying at the State Technical School of Ceramics in Höhr-Grenzhausen.  Her studies were successfully completed in 1945 with the state examination and became a ceramic engineer. In 1947, she supplemented her training with the master examination as a master ceramist, which she completed as the best in the course. The focus of her work was always traditional salt-glazed stoneware, from which she made animal figures, vessels and sculptures.

On the occasion of her 80th birthday, she honored the Westerwald Ceramics Museum with a solo exhibition.

Declaration:- This vase is as described in the description and dates from the time period highlighted.

Further Information:- If you would like additional information about Klotilde's work and biography - please go to the information page, Click on the Biographies Page where you will see her name, Click on the image and the information will appear. 

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