Bidspirit auction | Eva Samuel – Monumental Ceramic

Eva Samuel – Monumental Ceramic Sculpture (Wall Fountain / Hand-Washing Fountain) - A rare and exceptional monumental ceramic wall sculpture by Eva Samuel, one of the founding figures of Israeli ceramic art and a pioneer in integrating ceramic sculpture into architecture and public space. This is a large-scale, institutional work that combines deep sculptural relief, architectural thinking, and clear functional purpose – a wall-mounted fountain intended for drinking water or hand washing. The work is constructed from multiple sculpted ceramic tiles assembled into a single unified composition. The language is abstract-organic, with flowing volumes, concave and convex forms, and subtle anthropomorphic suggestions characteristic of Eva Samuel’s mature sculptural vocabulary. The surface is covered with green-turquoise glaze enriched with brown and earthy undertones, natural patina, mineral deposits, and wear that testify to long-term exposure and use in a public or semi-public environment. At the upper center is a designated opening for a faucet. Below it is an integrated ceramic basin, formed as an inseparable part of the sculptural composition, mounted on its original wooden backing board which serves as both structural support and display surface. Inscription and Factory Mark On one of the lower ceramic tiles appears a highly significant raised inscription: “Kad VaSefel, Rishon LeZion” – accompanied by the factory emblem, and the designation “Plan: H. Samuel.” This inscription firmly anchors the work to the Kad VaSefel ceramic factory in Rishon LeZion and clearly identifies it as an officially designed project by Eva Samuel for the factory. It confirms that this is not a small studio piece, but a planned institutional work conceived for architectural or public use. Historical Context and Original Placement The original location of the fountain is not documented with certainty. However, two highly plausible scenarios exist: Installation within the Kad VaSefel factory itself, as a functional and representative sculptural element. A commissioned work intended for an external institution or public building, which was never collected or paid for and therefore remained at the factory. In either case, this is a unique, one-of-a-kind work that embodies the early Israeli vision of integrating ceramic art into architecture and the public realm. Dimensions Ceramic body height: approx. 98 cm Ceramic body width: approx. 53 cm Wooden backing board (overall): approx. 110 × 60 cm Condition The right corner of the basin is broken and missing. The upper right corner was broken in the past and reattached; the repair crack is clearly visible. Surface wear, patina, and signs of age consistent with material, scale, and original function. Overall condition is consistent with a monumental ceramic fountain intended for long-term public or institutional use and does not detract from its historical or artistic importance. Significance and Evaluation This is one of the most important, ambitious, and rare Israeli ceramic works ever offered to the public market. A documented, factory-linked, monumental sculpture of clear architectural intent, bearing exceptional museum-level significance. An outstanding acquisition for a museum, institutional collection, advanced private collection, or a culturally oriented architectural project. Source: The Estate of Yoram Samuel, ז”ל. Self-pickup from central Tel Aviv. Buyer is responsible for arrival with appropriate tools and at least two people. A special delivery service can be arranged in advance through the auction house.