Large Ceramic Jar Vase with Striking Glaze by Vivika and Otto Heino

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A large ceramic vessel in the form of a "moon jar" with a near sphere shape on a small base … Read more A large ceramic vessel in the form of a "moon jar" with a near sphere shape on a small base with a short neck and diminished mouth opening. The form was celebrated in Korean Joseon pottery and its form and philosophy impacts the potters across the globe. The vase was made by American potter couple Vivika (1910-1995) and Otto Heino (1915-2009). The signature on the base indicated the vessel was made from 1970s-1980s, likely in their shared studio in Ojai, California. Wheel thrown with intentional potter's lines; the surface of the stoneware jar is covered in a beige-white glaze with extraordinarily expressive black glaze. On the front and back of the jar, the artists splattered ink-black glaze with a swirling concentric pattern. The glaze then naturally flowed and dripped down, forming a striking abstract pattern that akin to a modern expressionism painting. Despite of being spontaneous and rather bold, the approach had a clear intention and vision. It was done with sure hands and minds of two great American potters. The result is ultimately modern but with a strong reference to Korean and Japanese pottery that was cherished for their zen ambience. On the base, it bears the artists marks and insignia.
Vivika and Otto Heino were artist duo working in ceramics throughout the second half of the 20th century. They collaborated as a husband-and-wife team for thirty-five years, signing their pots "Vivika + Otto," regardless of who actually made them. Clean lines and distinctive glazes mark their work; avoiding ceramic trends, they focused on traditional and utilitarian pottery. They were part of a generation that sought to redefine the relationship between ceramics and modern art. The Heinos were awarded the Silver Medal from the International Ceramics Exhibitions in Ostend, Belgium in 1959 and the Gold Medal at the Sixth Biennale Internationale de Céramique d'Art, in Vallauris, France in 1978. Their work can be found in private collections and institutions including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the Smithsonian Institution. After Vivika's passing in 1995, Otto continues to work in his CA studio and signed his work "OTTO". See less