Johannes Jacobus (Jan) van der Vaart (The Hague, 17 October 1931 – Leiden, 8 November 2000) was an influential Dutch ceramicist from the 20th century, known as founder of the abstract-geometric ceramics in the Netherlands.

[3][4][5] With one of the artists, Herman Gordijn, he had one of his first exhibitions in the Haagse Kunstkring,[6] where Van der Vaart had become and would stay a member.

Inspired by the idea of stacking forms, in 1961 Van der Vaart introduced the theme of the pyramid tulip vase in the contemporary visual arts.

[9] With these stack of forms, the vases and bowls were built from tight, geometric elements, which are combined in different ways.

The tulip vases and towers consist of twisted or hand-shaped elements, since the 1970s also build with poured out shapes.

[10][11] In those days he started participating in Delft at the annual "Contour onzer beeldende kunst" exhibition, which presented the latest development of contemporary art.

[16] Until his retirement in 1993 he educated a new generations of potters, such as Geert Lap, Wietske van Leeuwen, Anita Manshanden, Wouter Dam, Irene Vonck, Barbara Nanning, Mieke Blits, Alberdien Rullmann and Esther Stasse[17] assisted by Emmy van Deventer and since 1980 by Henk Trumpie.

[19] Later in life, he started making glass designs for Royal Leerdam[20] and fulfilled assignments from the Czech Republic.

His work is very recognizable due to the distinctive character and the logical and consequent development of his artistic beliefs.

His designs are blocky, simple and sober: Many clean lines with soft gliding, often sloping surfaces.

[15] Van der Vaart wanted to create useful quality ceramics for a wide audience.

In the studio the production of molded ceramics is illustrated by original materials and tools of Van der Vaart.

The arrangement shows models, semi-products and molds, turntable and mixer, spray booth, oven and a closet with "powders"; the pigments that color the glaze.