Hans Coper
Stoneware Vase, circa 1954
with flowing manganese treacle glaze
impressed with artist’s seal
11.5cm high, 7.5cm diameter

Hans Coper (1920-1981) was a distinguished ceramic artist, renowned for his innovative approach to pottery and significant contributions to the studio pottery movement in Britain

Coper fled Nazi Germany in 1939 as a Jewish refugee and sought asylum in Britain. In 1946, his artistic journey began when he joined the studio of celebrated potter Lucie Rie in London. Under Rie’s mentorship, Coper honed his skills and developed a distinctive style that blended modernist designs with traditional pottery techniques.

Coper’s works are characterized by their sculptural quality and unique forms. Unlike conventional pottery, he often created pieces that defied functional norms, focusing on aesthetic and abstract qualities, with an innovative use of glazes and textures.

Throughout his career, Coper exhibited widely and gained significant recognition. His works were displayed in prestigious institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.