A delightful Balzar Kopp pottery figure of a young forlorn looking wild boar.

Stock Number: – OWA3124

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 delightful retro/mid century Westerwald pottery figure of a young forlorn looking wild boar decorated in the studios of Elfried Balzar-Kopp with traditional enamels and a slat glaze.

Size: –The figure is 10cm tall and weighs 320g

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

History & Marks: – This example is marked with an incised BK to the base and dates from Circa 1970. Whilst no one could say that this piece is a one off study because this subject was made in differing sizes (3). One could however say, although you may come across another example, you 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.