Elfriede Balzar Kopp (1904-1983): A striking cobalt glazed wine jug with sgraffito decoration
£345
Stock Number: – OWA1544
Date: – Circa 1960s/70
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
Description: – A striking wine jug made in the Höhr Grenzhausen studios of Elfriede Balzar Kopp. The jug is decorated with stylised deer in deep sgraffito and traditional enamels upon a rich cobalt blue ground. The jug is 33cm tall to the tip of the pewter lid handle and is inscribed/signed Balzar Kopp to the base .
Size: – The wine jug is 33cm tall to the tip if the lid handle.
Condition: – Excellent, with no chips, cracks damage or restoration to the body or decoration.
History & Marks: – This jug is signed Balzar Kopp and dates from Circa 1960s/70. Whilst no one could say that this piece is a one off, one can knowingly say, although you may come across another jug decorated in this manner. One would quickly realise that it is a one off, this is because of the hand decoration and how the enamels and body react during the firing. Very few studio pieces are identical.
