Vase made in Theresienstadt
Object numberM1992/021:005
TitleVase made in Theresienstadt
DescriptionVase especially painted for the “beautification” of Theresienstadt for the visit of the Red Cross inspection of June 1944, donated by Marta Reiss. Decorated by an internee with a floral motif in red and blue on a white ground. Markings on base of the vase bear the porcelain mark MZ Altrohlau CM-R Czecoslovakia Slovakia.
Elaborate measures were taken to disguise conditions in the ghetto and to portray an atmosphere of normalcy. The SS engaged the Council of Jewish Elders and the camp-ghetto "residents" in a "beautification" program. Prisoners planted gardens, painted housing complexes, renovated barracks, and developed and practiced cultural programs for the entertainment of the visiting dignitaries to convince them that the "Seniors' Settlement" was real. The SS authorities intensified deportations of Jews from the ghetto to alleviate overcrowding. Over 35,000 inmates fell victim to disease and starvation, torture and executions. Nearly 90,000 were deported to extermination camps, with only 3,500 surviving.
MZ Austria is the wording on a mark used by Moritz Zdekauer on porcelains made at his works in Altrolau, Austria, from 1884 to 1909. The mark was changed to MZ Altrolau in 1909, when the firm was purchased by C.M. Hutschenreuther. The firm operated under the name Altrolau Porcelain Factories from 1909 to 1945. It was nationalized after World War II. Pieces were decorated with lavish floral patterns and overglaze gold decoration. Full sets of dishes were made as well as vases, toilet sets, and other wares.
Elaborate measures were taken to disguise conditions in the ghetto and to portray an atmosphere of normalcy. The SS engaged the Council of Jewish Elders and the camp-ghetto "residents" in a "beautification" program. Prisoners planted gardens, painted housing complexes, renovated barracks, and developed and practiced cultural programs for the entertainment of the visiting dignitaries to convince them that the "Seniors' Settlement" was real. The SS authorities intensified deportations of Jews from the ghetto to alleviate overcrowding. Over 35,000 inmates fell victim to disease and starvation, torture and executions. Nearly 90,000 were deported to extermination camps, with only 3,500 surviving.
MZ Austria is the wording on a mark used by Moritz Zdekauer on porcelains made at his works in Altrolau, Austria, from 1884 to 1909. The mark was changed to MZ Altrolau in 1909, when the firm was purchased by C.M. Hutschenreuther. The firm operated under the name Altrolau Porcelain Factories from 1909 to 1945. It was nationalized after World War II. Pieces were decorated with lavish floral patterns and overglaze gold decoration. Full sets of dishes were made as well as vases, toilet sets, and other wares.
Production date 1944 - 1944
SubjectHolocaust, women, concentration camps
Object namedecorative art
Materialceramic, porcelain
Dimensions
- height: 205.00 mm
width: 80.00 mm
Language
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Mrs. Marta Reiss