Very Large West German Mid Century Ceramic and 4 similar items

A very large and unusual mid-century West German fat lava pottery jug being decorated with an Assyrian equestrian / lion hunting scene. Manufacturer , Walter Gerhards in the 1970s This is a large vessel measuring 50 cm high and having a diameter approx 30 cm. The pattern number is 285/50 and is identified to the base Foreign, being a piece produced for export. No cracks or hairlines. Item exhibits minor signs of typical use only such as scuffing to base. Items sits evenly without wobble on flat surface. Walter Gerhards 1957-2000 Walter Gerhards KG was founded 1957 (registered in 1959) in Ransbach-Baumbach, by Walter Gerhards and his wife Elfriede Gerhards. Walter Gerhards KG was changed to Gerhards GmbH in 1974. In 1984 ownership of the company changed and the company continued to 2000. In 1977 there were approximately 50 employees, later expanding up to 70 employees using six large electric ovens. Elfriede Gerhards managed the company whilst Walter Gerhards led the artistic and technical designs. Initially production focused on ceramic plant pots but soon switched to ornamental lighting and other decorative ceramics. A large range of decorative items were produced including light fixtures, vases and plates etc. Ceramic lights (standing or hanging) were supplied to lighting companies who completed the electronic components. There was a particular interest in relief decorations, which reflected ancient scenes. Examples include the Assyrian lion hunt which replicated scenes from the British Museum and a Napoleon series which imitated items from the time (a jug gifted to from Napoleon I to the Empress Josephine in the Museum of Arts Decoratif in Paris). With thanks to Ralf J. Schumann and the article he published in Trodler in April 2014 for much of the detailed information.