West Germany ceramic vase in black and red, glazed pottery from the 1970s

West Germany ceramic vase from the 1970s, combining intense red glaze with deep black base in a manner distinctive to West German production of this period. Standing nearly fifty centimeters tall, this substantial piece commands attention through both its bold colourway and textured surface that gives the glazed ceramic an almost organic quality. The vase construction relies on a striking contrast between two chromatic zones. The black base provides visual grounding from which the main body rises, covered in red glaze with varied surface texture. The proportions narrow base expanding into broader shoulders before tapering toward the opening create a dynamic silhouette typical of decorative ceramics from this decade. Smooth transitions between formal elements maintain visual coherence throughout. West German ceramics of the 1960s and 1970s represent a distinctive chapter in European craft history. Numerous manufacturers in the Rhineland and Westphalia regions developed a recognisable formal vocabulary during this era, merging traditional pottery techniques with experimental approaches to glazes and textures. This production, marked with the W.GERMANY stamp, reached markets across Europe and North America, building recognition through bold colour combinations and the handcrafted finish of each piece. The form number 281-49 indicates serial production while maintaining artisanal character. A vase of this scale works as a standalone decorative element; it requires neither flowers nor additional accessories to serve its aesthetic purpose. The height allows placement on the floor beside furniture or elevated on a sideboard or pedestal. Condition is good with no significant flaws. The ceramic has retained its structural integrity and the intensity of the glaze colours.