Vase HALLE 1

In 1931, Marguerite Friedlaender designed the HALLE vase, an icon of the Bauhaus tradition in its proportions, lines, and simple elegance. However, with the rise of National Socialism, the Jewish designer was initially denied the recognition she deserved: Friedlaender was removed from the records as the product’s designer, her design was temporarily left nameless, and it was not until many years later that it was once again sold with great pride under her name by the Royal Porcelain Manufactory Berlin. Now, over 90 years later, Berlin-based artist Rona Kobel has created objects with political impact based on these designs. The “Freedoom” vase, in powdery pastel tones and neo-Baroque bows, speaks to the fragility of freedom, whereas the “CouRAGE” vase addresses the necessary anger behind the courage to change. The subtlest highlight of the remake, however, is found on the bases—or rather, in the necks—of the artworks, where Kobel helps Friedlaender make a quiet comeback: The designer’s crossed-out signature is reemphasized and restored to its original effect by dots placed decisively beneath it.
“Freedoom” is available in 5 colors, with each color limited to 9 pieces. The sugar-sweet effect of the objects lasts only a brief moment, until one becomes aware of the desperate eyes within the double “O”—which, in the mint green version, are even pierced, allowing them to cry. The artist has finished each unique piece by hand.