Raf Verjans (1935–2022), Bronze Sculpture-vase

A bronze sculptural object by Belgian artist Raf Verjans, depicting a stylized human profile whose wide, circular section forms a cup. Its black, sliding, and removable base allows it to be displayed vertically as a sculpture or horizontally as a cup. The piece is marked “RAF VERJANS,” accompanied by a hallmark.

Born in Tongeren, Raf Verjans was a sculptor, goldsmith, and jewelry designer. Trained at the École des Métiers d’Art at Maredsous Abbey, he went on to refine his craft in a goldsmith’s workshop in Maastricht before establishing himself as an independent artist in 1957. Initially devoted to religious art and metalwork, his practice gradually expanded to include sculpture, design, and conceptual projects.

The human figure—particularly heads and anatomical fragments—features prominently in his work. He also conceived of his jewelry as small wearable sculptures, thereby extending his artistic explorations to another scale. With its stylized profile and dual function, this cup reflects his interest in the connections between sculpture and functional objects.

His career included, notably, participation in the tenth Middelheim Biennial in Antwerp in 1969 and an exhibition at the ICC in Antwerp in 1977. A retrospective was dedicated to him at the De Velinx Cultural Center in Tongeren in 2015, on the occasion of his eightieth birthday.

Details:

• Artist: Raf Verjans (1935–2022)
• Origin: Belgium
• Period: second half of the 20th century, according to the information provided
• Material: bronze
• Dimensions: height 22 cm; width 22 cm
• Distinguishing feature: black sliding and removable base, allowing it to be displayed as a bowl or as a sculpture
• Markings: “RAF VERJANS,” accompanied by a hallmark
• Visible condition in the photographs: patina, superficial scratches, and signs of wear, particularly on the base