Imagine a young traveler in the late 1960s, stepping off a plane at the iconic Tegel Airport, the cool breeze of West Berlin greeting them. They might have picked up this very vase at a small kiosk near the Schöneberger Rathaus—the same spot where President Kennedy famously declared his solidarity with the city. Today, this piece bridges that era of mid-century adventure with our modern "slow living" aesthetic, offering a meaningful way to display a single garden stem while honoring a legacy of resilience and history.
This porcelain beauty was crafted by M&K in Bavaria. It carries the weight of history in its glaze, featuring the proud Berlin Bear and the landmarks that defined a divided city.
Holding this vase feels like holding a piece of a time capsule. The smooth, cool porcelain is accented with a delicate gold rim that catches the afternoon light perfectly. It brings a touch of "nostalgic charm" to a bookshelf or vanity, serving as a constant conversation starter about the world's journey through the 20th century.
Era: Mid-Century (Circa 1960s–1980s), marked "Western-Germany."
Maker: M&K Bavaria (Authentic sticker included on base).
Size: Approximately 6 inches tall (standard bud vase height).
Color: Crisp white porcelain with vibrant multi-color landmark illustrations and a gold-gilt rim.
The most telling feature is the sticker on the bottom. The "Made in Western-Germany" mark (often using the hyphen) and the M&K Bavaria logo indicate this was produced between the late 1940s and the reunification in 1990.
Featured Landmarks
The graphics showcase several iconic West Berlin sights:
The Berlin Bear: The central coat of arms with the "Berliner Bär."
Siegessäule: The Victory Column.
Flughafen Tegel: This is particularly nostalgic, as Tegel Airport was the main airport for West Berlin during the Cold War (it officially closed in 2020).
Schöneberger Rathaus: This was the city hall for West Berlin and the site of JFK’s famous "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech.
Funkturm: The Radio Tower.
Condition Note: "Crazing"
You’ll notice the fine network of cracks across the surface of the ceramic. This is called crazing. It happens when the glaze and the ceramic body expand or contract at different rates over time.
Condition: Features a beautiful, age-appropriate "story-filled patina" in the form of fine crazing (miniature surface lines in the glaze) that highlights its vintage authenticity.
Care Tip: To keep it from worsening, avoid soaking it in hot water or using harsh detergents.
Bring this piece of Berlin home today! Click below to add it to your collection—and remember, shipping is on us!