Pair of 1960s - 70s Mother of Pearl and Brass Low Bougeoir Candlesticks

This hand-built and exquisitely illustrated work is by celebrated Danish illustrator and glass, silver, textiles, ceramics designer Bjorn Wiinblad (b. 1918 - d. 2006). We know that this piece was personally handled by Wiinblad as it is signed with both Wiinblad's signature and his artist caricuture icon. Per the dating of the piece, it is attributed to have been made for Wiinblad's very first ceramic workshop 'Værksted' in Copenhagen Denmark. 

The carefully crafted form of this piece is that of a centaur and from the botanical adornments, a dryad sits astride the centaurs back. Highly romantic, Wiinblad applied his exceptional creativity and imagination to both the tactile as well as the expressive line details all over both figures.

From the mildly rounded eyes to the raised leaf crowns and prominent centaur horns, attention is given right down to the pink tipped beak, crested head and tail of the small bird held between the hands of the two figures.

Handpainted onto the form is the slate-grey, blue design with complimented beautifully by intricate detailing of tiny pink rosettes, tendrils, and leaf detail. 

Stylistically timeless, the combination of the design and exceptional condition of this piece as well as Wiinblad's full signature with the beret-wearing artist caricature makes it a particularly rare and noteworthy find of Wiinblad's early work. 

CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks, or repairs. There is mild wear that is most evident in the form of faint movement marks on the underside that is commensurable with the age of the piece. The underside bears the signature 'Bjorn Wiinblad, 59 [year of production], 363 [design number], DANMARK' and artist caricature.

MEASUREMENTS
Height c. 11.4" / 29 cm (from base to rim) x width c. 4.9" / 12.5 cm (across widest point). Length: c. 8.9" / 22.5 cm (longest point). Unpackaged weight: c. 1.3 kg / 1,255 g

NOTES
Sculpture will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY
Bjorn Wiinblad (b. 1918 - d. 2006) 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 with 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, books, 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 the owner of 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.

This elegant work of Art Deco design is by Mr Symcox c.1936 for Beswick Pottery. Mr Symcox worked for Beswick between 1933 to 1942, a notable freelance sculptor and designer for Beswick.

Even and well balanced, the combination of the geometric angular and curved accents are iconic to the Art Deco design influences of the times. The Satin Matt glaze of this piece was introduced by James Hayward of Beswick around the time this candleholder was designed. The hand painted glaze is applied in the rarer Pastel Sherbet palette of Apple and Lime Green, Apricot orange, with paler tones of each colour offset against a Pale Cream. 

The application of the sumptuous glaze is applied in a mottled foam manner that gives the impression of the moments when liquids rush and fuse together. The form of this piece is stylistically timeless and not often found, however, the combination of the form with the striped colour palette makes it a particularly rare find.

CONDITION
Excellent. There are no chips, cracks or repairs. The most significant wear is age-related micro-crazing that is commensurable with the age of the piece. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the base bears the inscribed stamp 'MADE IN ENGLAND, BESWICK WARE, 423'

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 5" / 12.8 cm. Width: c. 6.4" / 16.2 cm (across widest point). Base Measurements: c. 3.9" / 10 cm X c. 3.1" / 7.8 cm. Candleholders take candles sized: c.  0.9" / 2.3 cm in diameter. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.5 kg / 480 g

NOTES
Candleholder will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY
Beswick Pottery 1892 - 2002
The Beswick firm was founded as 'J W Beswick' in 1892 by James Beswick and his sons in Staffordshire and originally produced tableware and ornaments. The pottery was chiefly known for producing high-quality porcelain figurines such as animals and Beatrix Potter characters that have become highly sought after in the collectables market.

Following James Beswick's death in 1921, his grandson John took over and continued to expand the business. In 1934, introduced a new range of jugs, bowls and vases decorated with new matte glazes. Responding to the Modernist design influence of the time, many of these highly distinctive shapes were designed by Mr Symcox. These works were often decorated in 'satin-matt' glazes using soft pastel colours running into each other or arranged in striking modern geometric blocks and lines. Beswick would go on to become known for their ceramic animal figures before being taken over by Royal Doulton in 1969 and finally closing in the early 2000s.

This ethereally, elegant and sensuous set was designed by Uta Feyl, celebrated Czechoslovakian designer for Rosenthal. Feyl has been designing for Rosenthal since 1979, her works are known for their provocative, sensual and anthropomorphic nature, drawing on influences from the human body and nature. 

This particular set comes from Feyl's Calla series that was designed in the 1980s. Highly tactile and light, these works are formed of Bisque porcelain with silky matte and undulating surfaces. 

CONDITION
Very Good. There are no chips, cracks or repairs, there is negligible use wear in the form of faint surface marks on interior and exterior of the pieces that is consistent with age. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The underside of each piece bears Rosenthal's stamp and the model numbers '3588/22' and '3588-7'. The vase has the addition of Feyl's signature. 

MEASUREMENTS

• Vase - Height: c. 8.6" / 21.9 cm tall (from base to rim) x c. 4.1" / 10.5 cm width (across widest point). Base measurements: c. 2.8" / 7cm x c. 2.2" / 5.5 cm. 
• Candleholder - Height: c. 3.8" / 9.6 cm tall (from base to rim) x c.2.2" / 5.5 cm width (across widest point). Base measurements: c. 1.9" / 4.7cm x c. 1.7" / 4.2 cm. Candleholders take candles measuring c. 0.8" / 2 cm in diameter.  
• Unpackaged weight (set): c. 0.6 kg / 570 g

NOTES
Set will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY
Uta Feyl, born in the Czech Republic and educated in Berlin, Uta Feyl has designed for Rosenthal since 1979. Her designs draw on forms found in nature and the human body and her work includes popular series such as 'Venus' and 'Vongola' for Rosenthal's Studio-line range.

Rosenthal was founded in 1879 as a workshop for the decoration of white porcelain by Philipp Rosenthal. The company began to manufacture porcelain in 1891. From the very outset Rosenthal was a company that pointed the way ahead with its forms and décors. The close work with famous designers and artists since the early 1950s had a major influence upon Rosenthal’s further development and the company was the first porcelain manufacturer to become a pioneer for contemporary, modern product design.

This elegant work of Art Deco design is by Mr Symcox c.1936 for Beswick Pottery. Mr. Symcox worked for Beswick between 1933 to 1942, a notable freelance sculptor and designer for Beswick.

Even and well balanced, the combination of the geometric angular and curved accents are iconic to the Art Deco design influences of the times. The Satin Matt glaze of this piece was introduced by James Hayward of Beswick around the time this candleholder was designed. The hand painted glaze is applied in the rarer striped arrangement of Cinnamon, Gingerbread to Caramel browns, with paler tones of Pineapple yellow and Turquoise offset against Pale Cream. 

The application of the sumptuous glaze is applied in a marbled manner that gives the impression of the moments when liquids rush and fuse together. The form of this piece is stylistically timeless and not often found, however, the combination of the form with the striped colour palette makes it a particularly rare find.

CONDITION
Excellent. There are no chips, cracks or repairs. The most significant wear is age-related micro-crazing that is commensurable with the age of the piece. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the base bears the inscribed stamp 'MADE IN ENGLAND, BESWICK WARE, 423'

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 5" / 12.8 cm. Width: c. 6.4" / 16.2 cm (across widest point). Base Measurements: c. 3.9" / 10 cm X c. 3.1" / 7.8 cm. Candleholders take candles sized: c. " 0.9 / 2.3 cm in diameter. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.5 kg / 480 g

NOTES
Candleholder will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY
Beswick Pottery 1892 - 2002
The Beswick firm was founded as 'J W Beswick' in 1892 by James Beswick and his sons in Staffordshire and originally produced tableware and ornaments. The pottery was chiefly known for producing high-quality porcelain figurines such as animals and Beatrix Potter characters that have become highly sought after in the collectables market.

Following James Beswick's death in 1921, his grandson John took over and continued to expand the business. In 1934, introduced a new range of jugs, bowls and vases decorated with new matte glazes. Responding to the Modernist design influence of the time, many of these highly distinctive shapes were designed by Mr Symcox. These works were often decorated in 'satin-matt' glazes using soft pastel colours running into each other or arranged in striking modern geometric blocks and lines. Beswick would go on to become known for their ceramic animal figures before being taken over by Royal Doulton in 1969 and finally closing in the early 2000s.

This elegant, whimsical and exceptional sculpture is by celebrated Danish illustrator and glass, silver, ceramics designer Bjorn Wiinblad (b. 1918 - d. 2006). Wiinblad often designed 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 handpainted studio work that was crafted at his own Vaerksted [Workshop] studio, which Wiinblad 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 Wiinblads 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 leaves and flowers resting in the figure's hat, the tiny birds resting on the figure's arms and knees, and the flowing, draped folds of the dress. Further careful attention is evident in intricate handpainted patterns decorating the dress and the care taken even when illustrating eyelashes. 

This piece additionally features golden Kintsugi bonding, following careful repairing and highlighting, the bonding has been predominantly applied to the candleholder extension cup (top section of hat). The Kintsugi technique is modern and has been applied in a tactile manner, a gentle yet striking compliment to the sculpture's tones of red and white.

CONDITION
Excellent. The separate candleholder extension cup (top section of hat) has been carefully repaired using a robust water-resistant and durable golden resin. The resin has also been applied to three minor spots on the body. Please refer to photographs as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the piece bears Wiinblad's signature, dated with '77' and finally, denoted with 'DANMARK'.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 12.6" / 32 cm tall (from base to tallest point, including hat/candleholder extension) x . 5.5" / 14 cm width (across widest point). Depth: c. 6.3" / 16 cm (from front to back). Unpackaged weight: c. 1.3 kg / 1,345 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

Kintsugi is a Japanese philosophy with similarities to the philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, which includes ideas surrounding the embracing of the flawed or imperfect. The art of Kintsugi ("golden joinery") is the repairing of broken pottery with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. The aesthetics of this philosophy values breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise.

THE ITEM
These elegant works of Scandinavian mid-century Modern design are by Swedish designer Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall. Ystad Metall was founded in Sweden in 1833 and came to produce some of the most notable designs in bronze and brass home accessories of the twentieth century.

This set of three candleholders comprises of two with a single stylised floral bobeches (glass collars) with brass leaf accented stems and one with a double bobeche. The candleholders each take a taper candle measuring c. 12 mm / 1.2 cm / 0.5".

CONDITION
Excellent. There are no chips, scratches or cracks to the glass, only mild surface wear and the brass also has mild age wear that is commensurable with age. Age wear can be polished if preferred or kept for vintage charm. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the single-bobeche candleholders are marked with 'Ystad-Metall MADE IN SWEDEN' and company logo. The underside of the dual-headed candleholder bears a layer of green felting.

MEASUREMENTS
- Single Bobeche Candleholder, height: c. 3.5" / 9 cm (from rim of tallest bobeche to base) x c. 2.2" / 5.5 cm diameter (across bobeche widest point). Brass stand diameter: c. 2.6" / 6.5 cm
- Double Bobeche Candleholder, height: c. 4.3" / 11 cm (from rim of tallest bobeche to base) x c. 2.2" / 5.5 cm diameter (across widest points). Brass stand diameter: c. 2.6" / 6.5 cm.
Unpackaged weight [Full Set]: c. 0.5 kg / 543g

NOTES
Set will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured.
Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY
Ystad Metall was originally founded in Sweden in 1833, however, it was during the decades before and after World War II that some of their most iconic designs were developed. In the late 1930’s, Ivar Ålenius-Björk (b. 1905 - d. 1978) designed what would become the company’s most iconic and timeless product, the “Liljan” candlestick, for the 1939 World’s Fair

Gunnar Ander (1908 - 1976) was a Swedish designer and architect. Ander's was hired by Erik Hovhammar from Lindshammars Glassworks to develop a new design profile to differentiate them from the competition. He worked alongside with Ystad Metall, where he designed wrought iron and other art objects. Ander's candelabras from the fifties elegantly captures the spirit of that time. He continued his work at Lindshammars and Ystad Metall (later Scandia Present AB ) until his death in 1976.