This is a vintage (circa 1970 ) Reinhold Merkelbach West German Salt Glaze bowl. The stoneware bowl has a lovely glossy salt glaze finish, and cobalt design. Of interest is the incised design on the rim, and slightly tapered base. This bowl is hand-thrown, hand-molded, hand-incised, and hand-painted with a transparent blue wash that highlights the creamy texture of the grey clay. The incised rim design is also brought out with the cobalt glaze.
Measurements: Height 3", Diameter 6"
The bottom is clearly marked with the stamp used from 1970-1978.
This piece is in superb vintage condition with no cracks, chips or crazing. This is a beautiful example of Reinhold Merkelbach's evolving style, and a wonderful addition for any salt glaze pottery collection!
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About Salt Glaze Pottery: It’s believed that salt glazing came about by accident in the Rhine region of Germany during the 13th and 14th centuries. Wood was scarce; and it’s thought that many crates used to salt fish were repurposed as firewood for pottery kilns. Eventually, potters realized that the additional salt gave glaze a glossy and water tight surface - ideal for the storage and transport of oils, wine etc. They began intentionally adding salt directly into the kiln. Salt glaze is the result of sodium combining with the quartz in clay at extremely high temperatures. Chemically bound to the clay itself, the glaze creates a glossy, and unusually strong finish.
In addition to a unique texture, salt-glazing is responsible for the gray and blue colors found in traditional salt glaze. Only high-quality clay can withstand the temperatures that are needed (over 2,200 degrees). The same is true of most colored glazes - cobalt blue is one of the few that will not burn off during the process.
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Art Pottery, Vintage, Stoneware, Cobalt, Salt Glaze Pottery, German Stoneware, West Germany, Bowl, Hand Incised, Reinhold Merkelbach, Salzglazur