German Blue & Grey Salt Glazed Stoneware Pots

Grey stoneware decorated with cobalt blue has a long association with German pottery, particularly the Westerwald region, where this distinctive type of salt-glazed stoneware was being produced by the early 17th century. The cobalt decoration was able to withstand the very high temperatures required for stoneware firing, while salt introduced into the kiln created the hard, slightly textured glazed surface associated with these pieces.

The tradition continued for centuries, moving from highly decorated wares to the simpler everyday vessels made for domestic use. These pots sit within that wider German blue-and-grey stoneware tradition, although without maker's marks we wouldn't attribute the individual pieces to a particular pottery or give them a precise date.

Each has its own hand-applied decoration and slightly irregular finish. Pot No. 1 has two small handles and particularly strong scrolling cobalt decoration, while Nos. 3 and 4 are simpler cylindrical forms with loosely painted blue designs.

Good used condition with marks, surface variations and firing irregularities consistent with older salt-glazed stoneware. Each pot varies, so please study the individual photographs carefully before choosing.

These are useful old pots rather than pieces that need to be kept behind glass. Fill one with wooden spoons in the kitchen, use one for a house plant or just put it on a shelf. We particularly like the contrast between the grey stoneware and those very freely painted cobalt-blue marks.