A striking sgraffito decorated Rooster modelled by Elfriede Balzar Kopp

Stock Number: – OWA3129

Date: – Circa 1970s

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 scarce Westerwald pottery figure of a Rooster decorated in the studios of Elfriede Balzar-Kopp. The body has an interesting abstract design in crisp sgraffito and finished in cobalt, traditional salt-glaze and enamels. 

Size: – The figure is 25.5cm tall and weighs 1095g

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

History & Marks: – The back leg has the Mark BK for Balzar Kopp used on pieces from the later period of her work (1960-70s).  Whilst no one could say that this piece is a one off study. One could however say that, although you may come across another example which you can see on this website from the same private collection. 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 decorated and placed in the kiln. Moreover, how it reacts during the firing. Very few studio pieces are totally identical.