This object is a vintage West German "Fat Lava" pottery vase, characterized by its thick, textured, crater-like glaze. Based on visual matches, this specific form—a bulbous jug with a distinct circular finger handle—was produced by several prominent West German ceramic manufacturers during the 1960s and 1970s.
RRK (Rhein Ruhr Keramik) is a prominent West German pottery manufacturer known for its high-quality "Fat Lava" glazes. Founded in 1947 by Karl Hoksch in Rünthe, the company produced iconic mid-century modern ceramics until its closure in 1986.
Identification of Your Vase
Your vase strongly resembles RRK’s signature style, which often features bold, textured red and black glazes. Common RRK form numbers for similar handled vases include:
Form 524: A highly similar handled vase, often standing about 15 cm tall.
Form 533: A larger bulbous version, typically around 23 cm tall.
Manufacturer Characteristics
Base Markings: RRK pieces are often hand-marked on the base with their form number. Some may also be hand-inscribed with "RRK" or still have their original foil manufacturer labels.
Glaze Technique: Their pieces are celebrated for "crusty" or "bubbling" fat lava glazes that create a distinct volcanic texture.