Marlis Schratter Mid-Century Stoneware Vase with Impressed Pattern old plumb bob and textures on this make

and textures on this make it feel as much like sculpture as a functional object

sharpening what looks like a knife but perhaps is some other tool on this grinding wheel

with both ends twisted tightly together until about half way down

with the mark dating them to sometime between 1903-1930

Marlis Schratter Mid-Century Stoneware Vase with Impressed Pattern old plumb bob and textures on this makeWhile I didn't know it when I bought it though I was pretty sure it was something special I've learned that this gorgeous, hand thrown stoneware vase is by well known ceramic artist Marlis Schratter. I believe it dates to the late 60s or earlyish 1970s, and is to my eye a pretty perfect vessel earthy and also really elegant, visceral and substantial, with great lines and interesting from all the way around. Many of her pieces feature impressed