A Modernist desk weight of a Badger by Elfriede Balzar Kopp

£295

Stock Number: – OWA3088

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 scarce Westerwald pottery modernist inspired Desk weight figure of a Badger. The delightful figure was decorated in the studios of Elfriede Balzar-Kopp with an array of cobalt and traditional salt-glaze and enamels.  

Size: – The figure is 21cm long & 9.5cm tall, it has the incised BK (Balzar Kopp) mark to the base and is 630g in weight.

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

History & Marks: – I have had a Badger figure by Balzar Kopp before. This example is signed/Inscribed BK and dates from Circa 1960s/70. Whilst no one could say that this piece is a one off study, (I have already stated I have had an example of the figure previously). 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 each figure is hand decorated and the outcome of it depends deeply on how it is placed in the kiln and how it reacts during the firing. Very few studio pieces are totally identical.

Please Click the Link Below for an Historical Introduction to the work of Elfried Balzar Kopp.  (You may have to engage your computers Translator “German to English”.) This is often seen in the address bar.                          

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elfriede_Balzar-Kopp

Additional information

Weight .755 kg
Dimensions 21 × 9.5 cm