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

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A ceramic vessel in the form of a "moon jar" with a near sphere shape on a small base with … Read more A ceramic vessel in the form of a "moon jar" with a near sphere shape on a small base with a small 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 indicates that the vessel was made from 1970s-1980s, likely in their shared studio in Ojai, California. Wheel thrown with intentional concentric lines; the surface of the stoneware jar is covered in a translucent glaze through which the natural clay color is shown. A beige-yellow glaze was then applied on top, seemingly by pouring around the shoulder and let it flow down the contour of the body. there is also a nebula of black specks circumventing the lower portion of the jar. The artistic approach is casual, spontaneous but with clear intention to create an expressive abstract pattern. This modern method echoes ancient far east pottery tradition found in the practice of Korean and Japanese kilns such as Buncheong and Tamba wares etc. 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