Mid-Century Üeberlacker Keramik Tiki Hawaii Red Fat Lava Vase (West Germany, 1960s)

In the form 1326/18, this Ü-Keramik fat lava vase was produced in West Germany in the 1960s, following a rare sort of model for that age and drawing inspiration from the very exotic faraway Hawaiian culture. 

With a bright red glaze and an etched design in white and black, the pattern resembles Kanaloa, the ancient god of the sea, as described by the Polynesian myths. Kanaloa is deeply connected with the powers of water, the ocean and sailing, and is oftentimes portrayed alongside Kane as a complementary power, together symbolising the dual powers of wildness and taming.

Kane is considered the highest of the three major Hawaiian deities, along Kū and Long and obviously Kanaloa. He represented the god of procreation and is believed to be the creator and life giver, being associated with dawn, sun and sky.

Now, to give you some more general context, the Polynesian myth mentions Tiki as the original man, who was also a god, created humans and all life in his image, therefore the carvings of the humanoid creature present on many sculptures or statues and statuettes, also present on this  Ü-Keramik vase, became representative of the god Tiki. According to the Polynesian culture, having a Tiki totem would bring good fortune. 

Ü-Keramik was founded back in 1909 by Johann Üebelacker in the Ransbach-Baumbach town in the Rhineland-Palatinate region, Germany, and as Johann was a pewter, the factory initially produced only metal foundry and only later on it started to work with ceramics and by 1955 it already had around 25 different vases in production in a wide range of sizes and decors.

Few years later, Ü-Keramik was launching the Tiki Collection that this vase if also part of, that would look truly spectacular in any mid-century inspired home where you want to bring a pop of colour.

Product specifications

Country of manufacture — Germany

Condition —Excellent — This vintage/antique piece is in near original condition. It may show minimal traces of use.

Restoration and Damage Details — Patina consistent with age and use.

Material — Ceramic

Size —  19 cm H x  8 cm Ø