This charmingly whimsical sculpture is by celebrated Danish illustrator and glass, silver, ceramics designer Bjorn Wiinblad (b. 1918 - d. 2006) and is from Wiinblad's Eva Series. Wiinblad would often design for a number of big names as well as the pottery studios he owned, such as Vaerksted, Nymolle, and Det Blaa Hus. The dating and style of this sculpture places it as a hand-painted studio work that was crafted at his own Vaerksted [Workshop] studio, which was established in 1952 in Copenhagen. Vaerksted pieces by Wiinblad show his graphic skills at their best – where he was able to convey an emotion or feeling with just a few brushstrokes or marks.
Those familiar with Wiinblad's illustrative work will be familiar with the exquisite level of detail his imagination goes to. This richness of detail is brought to life across many elements of this sculpture; such as the individually shaped, stylised décor resting in Eva's hairpiece, the flower basket clasped in her hands. The careful attention applied to every piece extends into the intricate hand-painted patterns such as that applied to the dress and even the illustration of eyelashes.
CONDITION
Superb. There are 2 negligible chips at the tip of each upright leaf next to the candleholder which does not affect the display quality and are commensurable with age. Please refer to photographs as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the pedestal is hand-signed with Wiinblad's 'BW' monogram and the model number 'V53'.
MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 12.2" / 31 cm (from base to tallest point) x c. 10.4" / 26.5 cm diameter (across widest point). Base diameter: c. 11.3" / cm. Candleholders, take candles with diameter measuring c. 1.1" / 2.8 cm Unpackaged weight: c. 2.2 kg / 2,170 g
NOTES
Sculpture will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY
Born in 1918 in Copenhagen, Bjorn Wiinblad began his training and path to success in 1935. Wiinblad sought the path to his first passion of art and enrolled in graphic school at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, debuting in 1945 with an extensive exhibition in Palægade, Copenhagen. He met and became firm friends Jacob E. Bang around this time, who engaged him to work for Nymølle Pottery.
From the beginnings at Nymolle, Wiinblad received multiple commissions, from designing textile and embroidery patterns to drawing posters, book and magazine illustrations. Wiinblad drew for the United Nations in Paris and designed costumes and stages for several theatrical performances. His fame grew in Denmark but soon would extend to Norway and Sweden and in 1950 his ceramics were exhibited at Bonnier's in New York, which specialised in Scandinavian design.
Wiinblad's recognition and acclaim would continue to grow, bringing him a silver medal at the first international ceramics festival in 1955 in Cannes, France and appointment as artistic director for Rosenthal in 1960. During the 1960s, Wiinblad would become owner to a number of ceramic studios including Vaerksted, Nymolle and Det Blaa Hus. He would make Det Blaa Hus his workshop and home until his death in 2006.
Wiinblad's successes did not stop in the Sixties, his continued achievements and international success were extensively documented and celebrated on the dedicated website: https://www.bjornwiinblad-denmark.dk/om-bjoern-wiinblad