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Karl Drerup Decorative Objects

American, 1904-2000

Born in Borghorst, Germany in 1904, Karl Drerup earned a master’s degree in graphic arts working under Hans Meid at the Academy in Berlin in 1926. He then traveled to Italy to study painting with Felice Carena at the Academy in Florence. The political situation in Germany kept him from returning. His journey, accompanied by his wife Gertrude, led him to Madrid and then to the Canary Islands in 1934. He immigrated to New York City in 1937. Already an accomplished painter, ceramist and engraver, Drerup mastered enamel-making during his New York years and became a Charter Member of the Society of Designer-Craftsmen in 1945. At mid-century, Drerup was pre-eminent in the field of enamel painting on metal. He played a major role in re-establishing its popularity in the United States by rediscovering and applying a variety of techniques including multi-fired painterly renderings in wet charged glass, Cloisonne and Grisaille. In 1941, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York began buying his enamels. His works were subsequently purchased by many permanent collections throughout the world including the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, The Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, the Dallas Museum of Art, the State of New Hampshire’s Living Treasures Collection and museums in Los Angeles, Wichita, Newark and the Smithsonian Institution. In 1946, Drerup and his wife moved to Thornton, New Hampshire. He immediately became active in the League of New Hampshire Arts and Crafts and served as a member of the League Council. Two years later, he became Plymouth State College’s first art professor. He said he would come to demonstrate for two days and stayed for 20 years. In this capacity, he directly influenced many generations of practicing artists, craftspeople and teachers throughout New England and the United States. In 1986, after 18 years of retirement, the college named its art gallery after him and granted him an Honorary Doctorate. Drerup set exacting standards for himself and his work. His extensive knowledge of art history coupled with his conviction that his work should speak for itself and has contributed to the excellence of American Craft. In 1995, Drerup became a Fellow of the American Crafts Council and in 1989, he became a New Hampshire Living Treasures Award recipient. Drerup died at the age of 94 on November 22, 2000.

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Creator: Karl Drerup
Karl Drerup Enamel on Copper Abstract Art Brass Desk Stash Trinket Cigarette Box
Karl Drerup Enamel on Copper Abstract Art Brass Desk Stash Trinket Cigarette Box

Karl Drerup Enamel on Copper Abstract Art Brass Desk Stash Trinket Cigarette Box

By Karl Drerup

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful abstract enamel on copper decorative handcrafted brass cigarette stash/trinket box by Karl Drerup. The box has a wonderful form and design. Marked on the bottom with the in...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Karl Drerup Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Copper, Enamel

2 Piece Lot Mid Century Enamel Dishes by Karl Drerup
2 Piece Lot Mid Century Enamel Dishes by Karl Drerup

2 Piece Lot Mid Century Enamel Dishes by Karl Drerup

By Karl Drerup

Located in New York, NY

Nice lot of 2 enamel bowls by noted mid century enamel artist Karl Drerup. Both bowls are in good, original estate condition, the rooster bowl shows an in...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Drerup Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

"Spouting Whale, " Mid-Century Masterpiece of Enamel Painting by Drerup
"Spouting Whale, " Mid-Century Masterpiece of Enamel Painting by Drerup

"Spouting Whale, " Mid-Century Masterpiece of Enamel Painting by Drerup

By Karl Drerup

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The finest and most dramatic piece of enamel painting we have seen by master artist Karl Drerup, this large bowl depicts a spouting whale amidst a gorgeous sea of waves in shades of ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Drerup Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

Exceptional Karl Drerup for Vontury 1940s Europa and the Bull Large Vase
Exceptional Karl Drerup for Vontury 1940s Europa and the Bull Large Vase

Exceptional Karl Drerup for Vontury 1940s Europa and the Bull Large Vase

By Karl Drerup

Located in Minneapolis, MN

A rare and impressively-sized vase by Karl Drerup (1904-2000) for Vontury. The vessel depicts a hand-painted interpretation of Europa and the Bull. The hand-thrown body is a bit orga...

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Drerup Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

"Noah's Ark" Enamel Bowl, Masterpiece of Mid Century Artistry by Drerup
"Noah's Ark" Enamel Bowl, Masterpiece of Mid Century Artistry by Drerup

"Noah's Ark" Enamel Bowl, Masterpiece of Mid Century Artistry by Drerup

By Karl Drerup

Located in Philadelphia, PA

In our opinion, the finest and most delightful of Karl Drerup's enamel works from the post-World War II period, this footed bowl depicts Noah and his ark, teaming with a veritable fo...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Drerup Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

"Circus Scene, " Masterpiece Enamel Bowl w/ Trapeze Artists in Deep Red and Green
"Circus Scene, " Masterpiece Enamel Bowl w/ Trapeze Artists in Deep Red and Green

"Circus Scene, " Masterpiece Enamel Bowl w/ Trapeze Artists in Deep Red and Green

By Karl Drerup

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This brilliantly-hued enamel bowl showing a circus scene, complete with trapeze artists, musician and clown, is a tour de force of midcentury enamel art. It was created by the famed ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Drerup Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

"Fishermen in the Mediterranean, " Important Mid-Century Enamel by Drerup
"Fishermen in the Mediterranean, " Important Mid-Century Enamel by Drerup

"Fishermen in the Mediterranean, " Important Mid-Century Enamel by Drerup

By Karl Drerup

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Featuring the deep blue, red and green jewel-tones for which he was famous, this rare and important footed enamel dish was created by the great master of enamel painting, Karl Drerup...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Drerup Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

"Sailing Ship and Dolphins, " Important Mid-Century Bowl with Vivid Enamels
"Sailing Ship and Dolphins, " Important Mid-Century Bowl with Vivid Enamels

"Sailing Ship and Dolphins, " Important Mid-Century Bowl with Vivid Enamels

By Karl Drerup

Located in Philadelphia, PA

An extremely fine piece of enamel painting by master artist Karl Drerup, this large bowl depicts a sailing ship with seagulls overhead, and dolphins cavorting below, in a sea of gorg...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Drerup Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

"Cones and Olives, " Superb Footed Enamel Dish Depicting Sea Shells
"Cones and Olives, " Superb Footed Enamel Dish Depicting Sea Shells

"Cones and Olives, " Superb Footed Enamel Dish Depicting Sea Shells

By Karl Drerup

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Crafted by, arguably, America's finest Mid-Century enamel artist, Karl Drerup, this superb and unique dish depicts a grouping of sea shells dominated by Olive and Cone specimens, all...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Drerup Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

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Previously Available Items
Karl Drerup enamel metal bowl , signed
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Karl Drerup decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Karl Drerup decorative objects are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Karl Drerup decorative objects, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original decorative objects by Karl Drerup were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider decorative objects by Polia Pillin, Paul McCobb, and Russel Wright. Prices for Karl Drerup decorative objects can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $450 and can go as high as $6,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,400.