Gundula Sommerer, winged vase | Raku, black (RF100)

About the object: Gundula Sommerer's asymmetrical pitch-black winged vases "stand for themselves". The objects, which are handmade using the build-up technique, are unique and, with sizes of up to 50 cm in width, are extremely striking in their appearance with a very high recognition value. The use of the Raku process when firing the objects produces carbon, which penetrates the pores of the vase and gives the pieces a permanent deep black color. This black, in combination with the cracks in the surface of the vase, leads to a unique individualization of the surface structure. Both visually and haptically. This winged vase is approx. 35 cm high, approx. 50 cm wide at its widest point and up to 8 cm thick. The opening of the watertight vase is narrow, making the object wonderfully suitable for long-stemmed delicate bouquets, field and cornflowers, grasses or individual twigs. Gundula Sommerer produces this vase in different sizes in small series.

Manufacturing process: This ceramic vase made of clay is handmade using the slab technique. The vase is not glazed and is fired using the Raku process. In this process, the first firing of the vase takes place at 920°C in an electric kiln and the second firing at approx. 1040°C in a gas kiln. The vase is removed from the kiln while still red-hot and placed in a box with combustible material. It continues to burn in this box for hours in a reduced atmosphere. After cooling, it is polished on the outside with antique wax and made watertight on the inside with a special sealant.