Mid-Century Ceramic Tankard with Banded Earthtones
Ceramic; functional decorative art (studio pottery) • Likely a European studio potter (possibly West German Art Pottery or British Studio Pottery like Denby/Hornsea style)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern; Brutalist ceramic style
Medium & Technique
Stoneware with reactive salt or ash glaze decoration; wheel-thrown with applied handle and sgraffito or banded slip details
Creation Period
Circa 1960–1975
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 6-8 inches in height; vertical cylindrical format
Subject Description
A cylindrical ceramic tankard featuring a three-tiered glaze composition: a creamy white rim, a textured brown granular body, and a series of horizontal incised rings at the base
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; surface displays age-appropriate wear with no large cracks visible from the frontal view
Estimated Market Value
$25 – $50 USD per piece
Auction Estimate
$15 – $30 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; typical of mass-produced yet artisan-inspired tabletop ware found in private domestic collections of the late 20th century
Art Historical Significance
Represents the post-war shift toward organic, tactile ceramics that moved away from industrial polish toward 'honest' craftsmanship and earth-inspired color palettes
Notable Features
Features a 'lava' like texture on the central band and a distinctive high-set handle characteristic of high-volume studio production from the 1970s
Condition Issues
Minor surface abrasions; potential internal staining from use; shelf-wear on the unglazed footring
Conservation Recommendations
Hand-wash only; avoid high-heat dishwashers; display in a stable humidity environment to prevent glaze crazing