Art Deco Ceramic Uranium Luster Vase Box attributed to Martha Katzer for the Karlsruhe Factory, Germany, 1930s

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a marvelous box made of uranium-glazed and vitrified majolica ceramic, designed by martha katzer around 1930 … Read more Description of the item
a marvelous box made of uranium-glazed and vitrified majolica ceramic, designed by martha katzer around 1930 for the karlsruhe factory, numbered on the underside with an incised number. Martha katzer did not usually sign her pieces, as is the case with this box. The knob, shaped like an inverted omega, is beautiful, and the bright orange glaze—a characteristic element of the art deco style of that period—is particularly striking. The box’s shape, glazing, and coloration incorporate elements of both art deco and the futurist movement. on wikipedia, you can find extensive information about martha katzer’s life, works, and style, and under the section titled “works and style,” you’ll find some of her pieces—the ones shown in the last photo above—including the second-to-last ceramic piece, which is a box virtually identical to ours, dated 1929 and part of the bröhan museum collection in berlin. Note that our box features much more complex enamel coloring and workmanship than the one in the museum.

information about the artist and/or manufacturer
martha katzer (1897, obermarchtal; 1946, regensburg) was a german ceramicist and painter who worked primarily at the state-run majolica factory in karlsruhe. She participated in many competitions and won several awards, including the grand prix at the 1937 world’s fair in paris. She is best known for the “spray” decoration technique, closely associated with the avant-garde art of the 1930s and 1940s—precisely the technique featured on this box, with its brown and gray tones. Many of her majolica pieces are on display at the bröhan museum in berlin. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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