T.A.C. (Thedore Christiaan Adriaan) Colebrander
Dutch, Doesburg 1841-1930
Plateelbakkerij Ram ( manufacturer)
dutch, 1921-35
Arnhem, The Netherlands, Ca. 1921
Glazed Earthenware
10 1/8 in H x 5 1/2 in D
Marked on the bottom of the foot: "RAM"/ PATR.LAPPEN./ ARNHEM ./ HOLLAND./ F.R. 18.
Provence Jason Jacques Gallery, New York
Cynthia Hazen and Leon B. Polsky Fund, 2010
Though he originally trained as an architect, by the mid-1880's T.A.C. Colenbrander (the intials he was known by do not match the order of his given names) had become, like the British Christopher Dresser, one of the World's first industrialized designers. Colenbrander performed for hire jobs for a variety of manufactures. He is best know as a designer of ceramics (notably for the Rozenberg Factory in the Hague during the 1880's) and carpets. In 1921 he was appointed design director at artist-dealer N.H. (Henri) Van Lerven's newly formed Plateelbakkerij Ram (RAM Pottery) in Arhem, Where he produced some of his most astonishing and original work. On this Vase free-flowing lines contain areas filled with contrasting saturated colors suggesting ink blots or artfully splattered paint. An Ambiguous balance between positive and negative lends vibrant dynamism that presages the psychedelic art of a half a century later. Although Colenbrander's enigmatic abstract designs seemingly avoid links with precedent or tradition, his exuberant colors and patterns reflect his generations growing awareness of islamic art, especially from Java, then a dutch colony. His unusual palette may also effect concurrent experiments by avant-guarde expressionist artists who used color to suggest emotions and moods.