Jan van der Vaart: Master Potter

Jan van der Vaart (1931–2000) was a leading figure in Dutch ceramics, known for his clear geometric forms and refined glazes. Calling himself simply a “potter,” he produced thousands of vases, tulip towers, and candlesticks, and was an early adopter of ceramic multiples - an approach that broadened access to his work while prompting debate in the field. As a longtime teacher at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy, he trained more than a hundred ceramicists. This 256-page monograph offers a concise, multifaceted overview of his practice. Essays by Jan de Bruijn, Garth Clark, Edo Dijksterhuis, and Arjen Ribbens examine his working methods, his views on production, and his role as a teacher. New photography by Petra and Erik Hesmerg documents Van der Vaart’s ceramics in studio settings and private collections.