A wonderful late production vase designed in red stoneware by Herbert Reusch and hand-turned for Eckhardt & Engler.  The matte blue body stands in contrast to the glossy black interior and the combed glossy red band around the middle of the vessel.  the unglazed bottom is embossed with the form number '78' and its height in centimeters - '20'

ECKHARDT & ENGLER (1898-1971) was founded as a wholesale company in Höhr-Grenzhausen, Germany.  It was initially converted into a pewter foundry and later into a stoneware factory.  In 1922 the molds from the dissolved company Roßkopf & Gerz were taken over by Eckhardt & Engler.  After overcoming the restrictions caused by the war, the company developed into one of the most important manufacturers of fine stoneware and decorative ceramics in Germany with around 100 employees.  In addition to the traditional range, the company introduced a more contemporary range of objects in shape and decor designs typical of the time and soon made up a considerable part of the total production.  Without exception, the designs were all made by Herbert Reusch, the owner's son-in-law and grandson of one of the original founders, and operations manager of the company.  The collections, which changed relatively frequently, were presented at the industrial trade fairs in Hanover and sold by regional representatives through specialist dealers as well as through purchasing associations and department stores.  The company closed its doors in 1971.

HERBERT REUSCH (1918-1991) was trained as a commercial ceramicist but had always desired to pursue artistic-ceramic training.  After WWII ended and he completed his military service, Reusch, the grandson of the company founder, joined the staff of Eckhardt & Engler where he soon took over the commercial management of the company.  a little later, he also took over technical and artistic management.  He designed all the decors in the following years and, in collaboration with a modeler, also had a major influence on the design program.

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