Arzberg Porcelain "Peach" Vase | Designed by Heinrich Löffelhardt

- Height: 7.7 cm
- Diameter: 7.9 cm

- Excellent - This vase is in excellent vintage condition.
- Structural Integrity: There are no chips, cracks, or hairline fractures to the body or the asymmetrical rim.
- Glaze & Surface: The high-gloss glaze remains vibrant and uniform across the entire form. Under close inspection, there is no evidence of "crazing" or significant surface scratching.
- Base & Markings: The unglazed foot ring shows minimal shelf wear, consistent with age. The green "Arzberg Germany" oval hallmark is crisp, fully legible, and perfectly preserved on the underside.
- Internal State: The interior is clean and free from permanent botanical staining or heavy lime-scale buildup.

1. Design & Features
- This vase is a masterclass in Organic Modernism.
- Eschewing the rigid symmetry of earlier decades, the "Peach" form is defined by its deep vertical ridges.
- These "clefts" serve a dual purpose: they provide a tactile, sculptural quality while creating high-contrast shadows that dance across the brilliant white porcelain.
- The asymmetrical, slightly tilted rim is specifically engineered to support a single stem at a natural angle, mimicking the way a branch might emerge from a fruit’s pit.

2. Craftsmanship
- Produced in the heart of Bavaria, this piece exemplifies the technical precision of West German hard-paste porcelain.
- Arzberg’s signature "brilliant white" glaze is not merely a coating but a vitrified layer that enhances the underlying form.
- The porcelain is high-fired to achieve a glass-like density, ensuring it remains non-porous and resistant to the "flea bite" chips common in lesser ceramics.
- Each piece was finished with a hand-polished foot ring, as evidenced by the smooth, unglazed base surrounding the green Arzberg hallmark.

3. About Heinrich Löffelhardt
- Heinrich Löffelhardt (1901–1979) was a titan of 20th-century industrial design and a student of the legendary Wilhelm Wagenfeld.
- As the artistic director for Arzberg, he moved the brand away from the purely utilitarian and into the realm of "Gute Form" (Good Form).
- His work focused on the "soul" of everyday objects—believing that even a simple bud vase should possess the dignity of a gallery sculpture.
- The Obstserie was one of his final professional contributions, representing the pinnacle of his transition from Bauhaus-inspired geometry to the fluid, "Space Age" curves of the late 1960s.

4. About the Obstserie
- The Obstserie (Fruit Series), launched circa 1968, remains one of Arzberg’s most whimsical yet sophisticated collections.
- It was designed to bring the "random perfection" of nature into the domestic interior.
- The collection typically comprises five distinct botanical forms: the Apple, Peach, Plum, Pear, and the rare Tomato.
- While often sold individually, they were intended to be displayed together in a bowl or on a mantle, blurring the line between functional tableware and objet d’art.

5. Uses & Versatility
While technically a bud vase, the "Peach" is frequently utilised by collectors as a sensory object or a paperweight.
- Botanical Display: The narrow aperture is perfect for a single architectural stem—think a bleached ruscus leaf, a single freesia, or a structural dried seed pod.
- Modern Still Life: Its weighted, squat proportions allow it to anchor a bookshelf or a minimalist "vignette" alongside other mid-century glass or wood textures.
- Stable Utility: Because the diameter (7.9 cm) is wider than the height, it is exceptionally stable, making it a safe choice for surfaces like a bedside table or a high-traffic hallway console.

6. Care Instructions
To preserve the high-gloss vitrified surface and the integrity of the vintage porcelain, follow these maintenance guidelines:
- Hand Wash Recommended: While Arzberg porcelain is exceptionally durable, the narrow aperture of the fruit series makes machine rinsing ineffective. Use lukewarm water and a mild, non-abrasive liquid detergent.
- Internal Cleaning: To remove mineral deposits or organic residue from the interior, fill the vase with warm water and a tablespoon of white vinegar. For stubborn marks, adding a few grains of uncooked rice and gently swirling will act as a natural, non-scratching abrasive.
- Surface Care: Use a soft microfibre cloth for drying to prevent water spots and maintain the "brilliant white" luster. Avoid using scouring pads or abrasive powders, which can create microscopic scratches over time.
- Thermal Shock: Although high-fired, vintage porcelain can be sensitive to extreme temperature shifts. Avoid moving the piece directly from a cold environment into boiling water.