358 - Marcel Wanders (born 1963)

Marcel Wanders (born 1963) Ephese, from the Oark Wurk series Jug Ceramic Produced by Royal Tichelaar Makkum, Netherlands Date of creation: 1987 H32 L21.8 D9.7 cm An early work by Marcel Wanders, created during his student internship at Royal Tichelaar Makkum in 1987. As a young designer, Wanders was fortunate to have some of his experimental designs put into production. The Ephese juice pitcher reflects his early exploration of form, functionality, and the Dutch ceramic tradition, combining craftsmanship with conceptual design. Produced by Makkum, it demonstrates the harmonious dialogue between Wanders’ emerging creative vision and the ceramic workshop’s historical expertise. A rare and collectible example of Wanders’ early work, illustrating the origins of one of the Netherlands’ most influential contemporary designers. Long before the Knotted Chair and the founding of Moooi, Marcel Wanders completed a student internship in 1987 at Royal Tichelaar Makkum, the oldest earthenware factory in the Netherlands, where some of his experimental designs went into production. The Ephese pitcher was the result. Its name, which refers to the ancient city of Ephesus, foreshadows Wanders’ penchant for historical references and ornamentation, which he would continue to reinterpret throughout his career. An early work that bears witness to the emergence of a major designer on the Dutch scene.