ABOUT THE SCULPTURE

In 1992, when Peter Brandes created The Isaac Vase, it was the world’s highest ceramic vase fired in one piece. It was made for the Seville World Exhibition the same year.

Brandes has always been fascinated by the jar, both in form and symbol. As a “container of life and death” it stores the life-giving oil, wine, and water, and is the urn containing the mortal remains of life. The form allows for communicating a narrative over time.

As we move around the vase, the artwork is created.

The Isaac Vase shows motifs from The Old Testament story about God ordering Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac on Mount Moriah. A tale which has captivated the artist for years.

Creating The Isaac Vase required heaps of clay, special ceramic know-how, mathematical calculations, untested engineering solutions, and a skilled team of craftsmen.

After five weeks of construction, five weeks of drying, and six weeks of firing in the custom-built kiln at Tommerup Ceramic Workcenter, the vase was miraculously ready for the opening of the World Exhibition.

Peter Brandes, The Isaac Vase, 1992
Stoneware, 468 cm

Belongs to New Carlsberg Foundation