Vintage Bay Keramik West German Pottery Pitcher – Model 6013-30 – Deep Blue & Yellow – Mid-Century Modern
This striking ceramic pitcher by Bay Keramik exemplifies the bold elegance of West German art pottery. Marked “6013-30 W-GERMANY” on the base with Bay’s double crown logo, this piece dates to the mid-century modern era (pre-1990 reunification), and stands approximately 30 cm tall.
Design & Glaze - Sculptural form with elongated neck, flared yellow rim, and looped handle - Glossy cobalt blue glaze with vibrant yellow accent—classic Bay color pairing - Smooth finish with felt pads added to base for surface protection
Markings & Provenance - Base stamped: “6013-30 W-GERMANY” with Bay Keramik double crown logo - Model 6013, size 30 cm—documented in Bay’s mid-century production catalog - Produced in West Germany, likely between 1960–1975
Condition - Excellent vintage condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs - Glaze is rich and intact; base shows expected shelf wear - Felt pads added post-production for preservation
Collector Notes - Ideal for display in mid-century, retro, or modernist interiors - Part of the “Fat Lava” era of West German ceramics (though not lava-textured) - A radiant example of Bay’s sculptural and color-forward design legacy
Identification Overview - Marking: “6013-30 W-GERMANY” - The number “6013-30” is a model and size code. Typically, the first part (6013) refers to the design, and the second (30) to the height in centimeters. - “W-GERMANY” confirms it was made before German reunification in 1990, placing it in the mid-century modern to late 20th-century range.
- Logo with Two Crowns - That double crown mark is associated with Bay Keramik, a prolific West German pottery manufacturer known for vibrant glazes and sculptural forms. - Bay often used stylized logos like this, and the crown motif aligns with their mid-century branding.
- Form and Glaze - The pitcher’s elongated neck, flared rim, and looped handle are classic Bay shapes—often used for decorative vases or ewers. - The deep cobalt blue glaze with a bright yellow lip is typical of Bay’s bold color experiments in the 1960s–70s.
Collector Context - Era: Likely produced between the late 1950s and early 1970s. - Style: Mid-century modern West German art pottery, often grouped under the “Fat Lava” movement (though this piece isn’t lava-textured). - Value: Pieces like this are sought after for their sculptural quality and vivid glazes. The intact markings and condition (with felt pads added for preservation) enhance its appeal. Perfect for gifting/giving, present, or for collector/collection addition!