Posts from the ‘Knabstrup’ Category

Sep 19

Richard Manz, Denmark

Richard Manz (1933-1999), husband of Danish ceramicist icon Bodil Manz.

In earlier years Richard worked in Sweden, and even at Gustavsberg for a time. He also studied under Peter Voulkos at Berkeley University of California with his wife Bodil in the late 1960s.

In 1967 he started a studio with his wife Bodil in Starreklinte, Odsherred. They produced several joint works including murals and large sculptural pieces in addition to developing their individual styles. During this period Richard also produced work for Knabstrup pottery in Denmark.

In the mid 1970s they both lived in the town of Arita, Japan for a while – learning the skill of working with very fine translucent porcelain.

The first piece below is one I bought at auction some time ago. I think demonstrates Richard’s mastery of the cylindrical form, for which he (and Bodil) have become so well known for.

While it is a stoneware piece, it is beautifully thin and fine and has been fired to the upper limit for stoneware (around 1300c) making it very hard (and giving it a beautiful sound if you “ping” it) .

The piece displays an obvious mastery of form and the beautifully controlled textures and glazes. I am guessing it would be from the early 1970s.