Gertrud & Otto Natzler

Master artists and Austrian emigres, the Natzlers’ acclaimed collaborative works were crucial to the emergence of studio ceramics in California. Gertrud’s exceptionally fine, thrown forms were mated with Otto’s innovative glazes and firing methods.

The Natzlers were internationally revered for their unified, refined forms, like this example, with its characteristic reduction glaze with melt fissures.

“Our approach to form is purist. Form should be natural, free of distortions.” -ON

Gertrud and Otto Natzler Museum 1993, 1961, California Visionaries: Seminal Studio Craft, Featuring Works from the Forrest L. Merrill Collection
Gertrud and Otto Natzler Museum 1993, 1961
Gertrud and Otto Natzler Museum 1993, 1961, California Visionaries: Seminal Studio Craft, Featuring Works from the Forrest L. Merrill Collection
Gertrud and Otto Natzler Museum 1993, 1961
Gertrud and Otto Natzler Museum 1993, 1961, California Visionaries: Seminal Studio Craft, Featuring Works from the Forrest L. Merrill Collection
Gertrud and Otto Natzler Museum 1993, 1961
Gertrud and Otto Natzler, 1942, California Visionaries: Seminal Studio Craft, Featuring Works from the Forrest L. Merrill Collection
Gertrud and Otto Natzler, 1942
Gertrud and Otto Natzler, 1942, California Visionaries: Seminal Studio Craft, Featuring Works from the Forrest L. Merrill Collection
Gertrud and Otto Natzler, 1942
Gertrud and Otto Natzler, 1942, California Visionaries: Seminal Studio Craft, Featuring Works from the Forrest L. Merrill Collection
Gertrud and Otto Natzler, 1942
Gertrud and Otto Natzler, Closed Form (O316), 1969. Courtesy Forrest L. Merrill
Gertrud and Otto Natzler, Closed Form (O316), 1969. Courtesy Forrest L. Merrill