Large Vintage Scheurich West German Fat Lava Floor Vase 517-45 – Mid-Century Pot

This is a lovely example of West German mid-century pottery, and the impressed base mark identifies it as a Scheurich Keramik model 517-45. The combination of glossy chocolate brown, warm amber and cascading cream glaze gives it real decorative appeal.

I would date it to approximately the 1960s–1970s, with the 517 shape documented in Scheurich's 1960s range.

RECOMMENDED SELLING PRICE

### £95.00

# Large Vintage Scheurich West German Fat Lava Floor Vase 517-45 – Mid-Century Pottery

**Price: £95.00**

A fabulous large vintage West German pottery floor vase by the renowned ceramics manufacturer Scheurich Keramik, dating to approximately the 1960s–1970s.

Standing an impressive 45cm tall, this striking statement vase features a beautifully blended glaze in rich chocolate brown, warm caramel and amber, with a dramatic cascading cream and white textured glaze flowing down the shoulders.

The contrasting colours and organic drip-glaze decoration create a wonderful sense of movement, making this a particularly attractive example of the distinctive mid-century West German pottery style often associated with the Fat Lava movement.

The vase has a beautifully proportioned form, with gently rounded shoulders, a short circular neck and a tall, tapering body. Its impressive size makes it ideal as a decorative floor vase, displayed on a low table or positioned on a sideboard.

**Maker History – Scheurich Keramik**

Scheurich is one of the best-known names in collectible West German pottery.

The company began in 1928 when Alois Scheurich and Fridolin Greulich established a wholesale business specialising in glass and porcelain. In 1954, Scheurich began its own ceramic production in Kleinheubach, Germany.

During the 1960s and 1970s, Scheurich became particularly well known for its innovative ceramic designs and experimental glazing techniques.

The company produced numerous decorative designs featuring bold colours, flowing glazes and textured surfaces, which remain popular with collectors of mid-century ceramics today.

This vase bears the impressed markings **517-45 W. Germany** to the underside. The number 517 identifies the model, while 45 indicates its approximate height in centimetres.

**Why We Love It**

We love the wonderful earthy colour palette and the way the cream glaze appears to cascade down the vase. The combination of glossy surfaces and textured decoration gives this piece real character.

Its generous proportions make it a beautiful statement piece, particularly suited to mid-century modern, retro, rustic or contemporary interiors.

**Dimensions**

- Height: 45cm

- Diameter across upper section: approximately 20cm

- Base diameter: 14cm

**Condition**

Vintage condition with minor age-related surface wear. There is some wear around the rim and a small area of glaze loss or nibbling to the underside base edge, as photographed.

Please study all photographs carefully as these form an important part of the description.

**A wonderful example of collectible West German pottery, combining classic mid-century design with a distinctive flowing glaze finish.**

### Pricing notes

I found an especially useful comparison: another Scheurich 517-45 in a very similar chocolate, caramel and cream colourway advertised for £120.

I think £95 is a sensible retail asking price for Objet d’Art Stuff, there are no significant cracks or repairs. The small area of wear at the foot has been factored into that recommendation.

The maker's own history also confirms that its characteristic lava-type glazes became especially prominent during the 1970s.

This one deserves to be marketed as a substantial Scheurich mid-century floor vase, rather than simply a vintage pottery vase. The identifiable model number and impressive 45cm height are both strong selling points.