Dark Green Floor Vase 553-38, West Germany (1960s)

Dark Green Floor Vase 553-38, West Germany, 1960s

Standing 38cm high, this striking West German floor vase is a classic example of the bold ceramic production that emerged from West Germany during the 1960s. Finished in a rich, deep green glaze with a contrasting ivory collar, it reflects the sculptural forms and confident glazing techniques that made West German pottery a defining feature of post-war interiors.

The impressed shape number 553-38 follows the numbering system used by many West German manufacturers, with the final number denoting the vase’s height in centimetres. Although many pieces remain unattributed to a specific factory, this system has become an important tool for collectors researching and identifying examples today.

Produced during a period of remarkable industrial and artistic growth, West German pottery combined traditional ceramic craftsmanship with modern design. Manufacturers such as Scheurich, Carstens Tönnieshof, Bay Keramik, Ruscha and Dümler & Breiden exported millions of pieces worldwide, helping establish West Germany as one of Europe’s leading ceramic producers. Their work embraced experimental glazes, architectural forms and richly textured finishes, offering a modern alternative to Scandinavian ceramics of the same period.