Hans Coper
British, born Germany, 1920 - 1981Untitled, 1975
On view
Stoneware
Dimensions7 x 4 1/8 x 3 1/2 in.
Gift of Dr. Robert and Deanna Harris Burger, 2021.197
Hans Coper saw himself primarily as a sculptor and developed a very distinctive ceramic style. Inspired by the simplicity of ancient sculptures, his vessels seem both modern and primitive. He restricted himself to a limited range of glazes—typically white, brown, and black. Looking closely at this vessel you can see fine lines and ridges across the surface. He created this weathered appearance by texturing the surface with scouring pads and other tools. A vase like this is typically constructed from different components that he creates on the potter’s wheel, which are attached to one another. The pinched, envelope-like form was created separately from the small cylinder base and then joined before firing.
