vase | Spencer Museum of Art

Wilhelm Wagenfeld; Württemberg Metal Factory, vase

Wilhelm Wagenfeld, artist

1900–1990

Württemberg Metal Factory, artist

founded 1853

vase, 1950

Where object was made: Germany

Material/technique: glass

Dimensions:
Object Height/Diameter (Height x Diameter): 19.4 x 8.7 cm
Object Height/Diameter (Height x Diameter): 7 5/8 x 3 7/16 in

Credit line: Gift of Dieter Zühlsdorff, Germany

Accession number: 1998.0090

On display: Loo Gallery

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Wilhelm Wagenfeld was a pioneer in 20th-century industrial design. He trained at the Bauhaus, an influential art school in Germany famous for its modern aesthetic principles of unifying artistic ideas with mass production and everyday function. Mainly focused on household items such as glass, ceramics, and metal wares, Wagenfeld’s works demonstrate his pursuit of a timeless design.

During the 1950s, Wagenfeld used high-quality dark green tourmaline glass—the only color he used—as well as clear colorless glass when he worked for Wurtemburg Metal Factory. After World War II, Germany suffered from shortages of housing, materials, and goods. The public preferred durable and affordable household items. By minimizing surface treatments such as decoration, color, or asymmetrical shapes, this simple vase demonstrates a standard form for mass production and home consumption.