Postmodern Ceramic Vase Duo – Karl Till for Staatliche Majolika Karlsruhe, 1996

A rare pair of glazed ceramic vases by Karl Till, combining slender architectural forms with celadon green, ivory, lavender and saffron-yellow accents. Created in 1996 during Till’s long tenure as a master ceramist at the Staatliche Majolika Karlsruhe, the duo reflects his precise geometry and distinctive use of colour.

• Dimensions:
  
  • Tall vase: H 38 cm, W 12.5 cm, D 5.5 cm
    
  • Small vase: H 32 cm, W 9.5 cm, D 4.5 cm
    
• Material: Glazed ceramic
  
• Brand: Staatliche Majolika Manufaktur Karlsruhe
  
• Designer: Karl Till
  
• Color: Celadon green, ivory, lavender and saffron yellow
  
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition with minimal signs of age
  
• Era: 1996
  
• Origin: Germany
  
• Remarks: Impressed Karlsruhe Majolika marks and hand-signed “KT 96”; accompanied by the original factory certificate

The contrasting heights and complementary colours make the vases especially effective when displayed together on a console, sideboard or open shelf. Their narrow depth also suits smaller spaces, while their strong outlines work particularly well in postmodern, contemporary and colour-focused interiors.

Karl Till (born 1939 in Esseg, former Yugoslavia) studied at the Higher School of Applied Arts in Novi Sad before joining the Staatliche Majolika Karlsruhe in 1963. Working there for several decades as a master ceramist, he became known for technically precise forms, confident geometry and vividly controlled glazes.

Karlsruher Majolika (the State Majolica Manufactory) was founded on 4 January 1901 in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, to revive and advance tin-glazed majolica and establish an artist-led ceramics program. Over more than a century it became known for art pottery, wall tiles, and architectural ceramics, collaborating with notable figures such as Max Laeuger and Wilhelm Süs, and later for collectible decorative pieces including animal figures linked to makers like Dietmar Liedke. The manufactory ceased operations in 2024, with remaining holdings dispersed via a major closing auction in March 2025.