Good condition.
Stamped signature on the bottom.

Lucy Rie (1902–1995) is widely known as one of the leading ceramic artists of the twentieth century. Born in Vienna, Austria, she studied ceramics at the Vienna Kunstgewerbeschule (School of Applied Arts). In 1930, she established her own studio in Vienna, where she produced experimental works, including colorful vessels and unglazed stoneware. Her work gained early acclaim, winning an award at the 1937 Paris International Exhibition.
In 1938, with the rise of the Nazi regime in Austria, Rie emigrated to England. She settled in London, setting up her studio near Hyde Park, where she continued working throughout her life. During the war time, Rie shifted to making ceramic buttons and umbrella handles to support herself. In the 1940s, she met Hans Coper as a student; the two later participated in exhibitions together and developed a close working relationship.

The 1960s marked a formative decade in which Rie consolidated the foundation of her career. She produced both tableware and one off pieces, absorbing the essence of Viennese and London modernism while developing a refined and distinctive style—supple yet unmistakably strong in character.
This work is a rare example of Rie’s signature techniques, featuring both her characteristic glazes and sgraffito decoration. In the 1950s, she met British potter Bernard Leach, an encounter that led to connections with Shoji Hamada and other Japanese ceramic artists, resulting in joint exhibitions. In 1989, she presented a show at the Sogetsu Kaikan with Issey Miyake, further establishing her reputation in Japan.

The present work holds particular significance within Rie’s career. It was included in the major retrospective exhibition marking the 20th anniversary of her passing, exhibited from 2015 to 2016 at five Japanese museums: the Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum, Chiba City Museum of Art, Himeji City Museum of Art, Koriyama City Museum of Art, and Shizuoka City Museum of Art.

"Lucie Rie: A Retrospective" Nikkei Inc., 2015, P. 115, No. 77

"Lucie Rie: A Retrospective"April 11 - June 21, 2015, Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum; July 7 - August 30, Chiba City Museum of Art; October 31 - December 24, Himeji City Museum of Art; January 16 - March 21, 2016, Koriyama City Museum of Art; April 9 - May 29, Shizuoka City Museum of Art