Overview

A one-of-a-kind contemporary studio-art ceramic platter, conceived as an abstract artwork rather than a functional dish. The hand-formed stoneware charger serves as a canvas for a modernist composition executed entirely in ceramic slip and glaze, fired and sealed under a clear glaze. The design cleverly mimics a torn-paper-and-graphite collage — a trompe-l’oeil effect achieved in clay — set against a matte charcoal ground. The reverse is incised with the signature, read as “Hadler,” and the face carries a separate brushed artist’s monogram, suggesting an accomplished studio hand. The piece likely dates to the later 20th century and is offered as an original decorative wall artwork from the Tour World Crafts studio collection.

Design & Craftsmanship

Function & Form: A hand-built stoneware platter, slab- or press-formed, in a squarish format with softened, irregular corners and a gently everted rim. It measures approximately 15 in across, 4 in tall, with an interior depth of about 3.5 in. Intended for display rather than table use.
Artistry & Ornamentation: The face presents a matte charcoal-black ground framed by the exposed pale clay border with a hand-drawn dark outline. At center, a warm oxide-brown panel holds off-white shapes rendered to resemble torn paper, overlaid with graphite-style cross-hatching, faint script, and a vertical grid line — all achieved in slip, oxide, and underglaze before firing. The abstract, layered, document-like sensibility recalls mid-century modernist matter-painting and collage.
Structural Base: The underside is unglazed pale stoneware with subtle forming marks, incised on the reverse with the signature read as “Hadler.” A separate artist’s monogram appears in the lower field of the decorated face.

Condition Report

Surface Condition: A small chip/nick is present at the rim, with light surface wear consistent with age and handling. The decorated face is stable and intact, the slip-and-glaze surface sound.
Structural Integrity: The platter is solid and stable apart from the noted rim chip; as glazed ceramic it remains breakable and should be packed and handled with care. This item is sold “as-is” with all associated patina and wear inherent to its age and history as part of the Tour World Crafts collection.

modernist ceramics

Contemporary Studio Art Ceramic Platter — Abstract Trompe-l’Oeil “Torn Paper” Composition in Slip & Glaze, Signed Hadler, Squarish Charger