Bay Keramik was founded in 1933 by Eduard Bay in Ransbach - Baumbach (Germany) and closed its doors for the last time in 1997. The purpose of the pottery was to produce utility and decorative items. Bay expanded his business in 1951 with the acquisition of another factory. It is also during this decade that the aim of production slowly came to change to remain attractive to the customer. By 1959 Bay had hired Bodo Mans (1935 -2001), a young graphic artist and ceramicist. Born in 1935 he began his career as an apprenticed window dresser and decorative painter. In 1951 he began training as a graphic designer, before pursuing ceramics at the renowned Technical School in Höhr - Grenzhausen (Fachschule Keramik Höhr - Grenzhausen) between 1954 -1956. The School in Höhr - Grenzhausen is situated in the 'Kannenbäckerland', the cradle of German ceramics. After finishing his studies he worked as a ceramic painter for Keto Keramik and briefly at the Madoura workshop in Vallauris (France). This short exposure and emersion into avantgarde art and different techniques was to influence his designs profoundly. Back in Germany he worked for short periods for Ruscha and Marei Keramik, before beginning his long association with Bay in 1959. His work is known for his technical precision, inventive use of form and vibrant glazes which made him a pivotal figure in West German Art Pottery. From 1962 his designs with relief objects, decorated with animals and plants held a special place in the collection of Bay Keramik. The animals and plants are depicted in a more simplified, stylized form, which makes them ancient and modern at the same time. This Vase, depicting Peacocks and Plants in relief with a high gloss glaze, that has lost non of its lustre, is an example of his craftmanship and creativity. With an unusual and striking colour combination of blue-green, caramel, brown and a hint of orange it will draw the attention and eye of the viewer. The Vase is 26.5cm high, 14 cm wide, the top ⌀ 10cm, with an opening of 8cm. The base ⌀ is 10.5cm and it weighs 1.120kg. The underside is marked with: W. Germany 960 - 25. It is in a very good state, only a small chip on the inside of the top rim, which has been lacquered and is hard to see from the frontal view (see photo 33). There is also a tiny production fault on the base, which is only visible upon turning the Vase upside down (photo 35). Please enjoy and view the photos closely as they form part of the description. Due to import regulations are we currently not shipping to the USA. We pack safely and with care, we want your new purchase to arrive in the same state it left us, for you to enjoy. Shipping with Insurance and Track & Trace.