A striking and scarce studio pottery wall charger/plaque made in the Höhr Grenzhausen studio of Elfriede Balzar-Kopp.

Stock Number: – OWA3002

Date: – Circa: 1970

Materials: –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 (Westerwaldkreis in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany)

Description: – A striking and scarce studio pottery wall charger/plaque made in the Höhr Grenzhausen studio of Elfriede Balzar-Kopp. This heavy plaque is decorated with a stylised fish & sea urchin design in sgraffito. The plaque is further enhanced with a deep pooling of traditional cobalt, other enamels and a salt glaze. The plaque is Signed Balzar Kopp to the reverse

Size: – The plaque is 38cm across

Condition: – History & Marks: – The wall plaque is signed Balzar Kopp to the reverse (see images). Whilst no one could say that this piece is a one off. However, one could say that, although you may come across another plaque decorated in the same  manner (which I have some years ago). One would quickly realise that it is a one off. This is because of the hand decoration and how it reacts during the firing. Very few studio pieces are identical.