Mid-Century Modern Holy Water Vessels from Laach, Ulmer, 1940s, Set of 9

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This mid-century modern west german holy water vessels set (9 pieces) offers a striking blend of design, craftsmanship, and symbolism, … Read more This mid-century modern west german holy water vessels set (9 pieces) offers a striking blend of design, craftsmanship, and symbolism, making it highly appealing to collectors and enthusiasts. Crafted between the late 1940's and 1960s, these vessels were designed for use in churches, holding holy water or wine. However, their sleek forms and elegant, muted tones have earned them admiration far beyond their original ecclesiastical function, making them prized items for both religious and design collectors.

the vessels showcase a variety of beautiful glaze colors and finishes and embody the mid-century modern design ethos with clean lines and simple forms. All the vessels feature unique shapes reflecting the era’s focus on balancing function with form. The interplay of color and texture—from glossy to matte—adds a striking visual dimension to the collection, making each piece stand out on its own and as part of a set.

among the nine pieces, two vessels are marked by laach abbey, where theodor bogler, a noted bauhaus artist, established the ceramics workshop. Another piece is marked by ulmer keramik, a renowned west german pottery studio. Some of the vessels bear only numerical marks or “west germany,” a designation used by post-wwii west german potteries, further connecting this set to the broader history of mid-century ceramics. This mix of markings speaks to the variety of producers during this era, highlighting the diversity within west german pottery.

several vessels in the set bear "alpha omega" (αω), the first and last letters in the greek alphabet which is a reference to christ's "i am the alpha and the omega\." meaning the beginning and the end. The overlapping "xp" initials over a cross are also from the greek alphabet and are the first two letters of the word χριστος (pronounced kʰriːs.tós), the ancient greek monogram for christ. One vessel also features a dove, possibly symbolizing the holy spirit. These religious motifs, paired with the clean, modern design, create a unique juxtaposition of faith and artistry.

the set is in excellent condition with minor signs of use, including some wear on the cork stoppers. Whether displayed as a group or individually, these vessels serve as both functional and decorative objects, perfect for collectors or those seeking to add a meaningful, historically significant touch to their home.

whether displayed as a group or individually, this set is a true collector’s item, combining artistry, symbolism, and function—true mid-century design excellence.

heights: 22 cm, 3 x 20 cm, 19 cm, 2 x 18 cm, 2 x 12 cm this piece has an attribution mark,
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