Ikora vase, Art Deco, silver-plated brass, WMF, Germany, 1930s

The WMF Ikora vase is a classic example of the German Art Deco school of the 1930s, made of silver-plated brass. The body is kept in a warm, slightly yellowish silver tone with a subtle matte in the middle part; above, the line transitions into a distinct, geometric engraving with a zigzag rhythm, characteristic of the Art Deco movement. The sculptural radiating motif with a brushed surface contrasts with the smooth, shiny finish on the base. The slender, elongated oval form gently narrows towards a small, round base. The quality of workmanship, expressed in the precision of the engraving and the harmony of proportions, is typical of the WMF manufactory. The surface shows minor signs of patina and slight abrasions consistent with the age of the item – overall, it is in very good condition, with no significant damage. The form of this vase is a voice of the era when op-art geometry and the shine of metal intertwined with the expectation of modernity. You can feel the spirit of the 1930s in it: instead of ornate decorations, it focuses on the play of light and shadow and a clear but restrained engraving. The zigzags resemble a stylized dawn, and the subtle patina tells the story of pre-war elegance and the craftsmanship of WMF artisans. This Art Deco icon can be displayed on a low walnut veneer console, next to simple, geometric forms: a chrome candlestick or a graphite mirror. It works well in arrangements drawing from modernism and the classics of the 1930s, but thanks to the subtle patina, it is also worth combining it with textured glass or ceramics in neutral colors to emphasize the dynamics of the engraving and the warm color of the metal.