Decor

This stunning work iconic to Troika Studio Pottery (est. 1962 cse. 1983) called the 'Anvil', brings with it the earthy vibes of British Cornish pottery and Modernist design influences. 

Beautifully Modern, the form, deeply incised Sgraffito decor, and glaze bear all of Troika's hallmarks of edgy, textured, and unconventional production techniques.  Avant-garde techniques included utilising sediment from the local tin mines, household emulsion paint and melted broken glass. The hallmarks of the founder's vision resulted in innovative and extraordinary works of art that were highly popular during their time and exceptionally collectable today. 

This exceptional piece is suitable for a standalone statement display or paired with other Modernist greats such as Peter Ellery for Tremaen, Barbara Hepworth, Marian Zawadski or Roger Veal for Tolcarne.   

CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, damage, or repairs. There is very mild use wear that is most evident in the interior and movement marks on the underside of the base, please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the vase bears 'TROIKA CORNWALL' and 'LJ' for decorator Louise Jinks. 

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 8.5" / 21.5 cm x Width: c. 9" / 23 cm (across widest point). Depth c. 2.6" / 6.5 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 1.6 kg / 1,590 g

A BIT OF HISTORY
Founded in 1962 by Lesley Illsley, Jan Thompson and Benny Sirota who each contributed £1,000 to purchase the Powell and Wells Pottery at Wheel Dream, St Ives. They bought the pottery with a vision for distinctive, individualistic wares and were not afraid to experiment with unconventional production ideas, methods and materials. 

They chose the name Troika (meaning a Russian sleigh drawn by three horses) for its sharp, angular sound that hinted at the sharp, angular forms they had in mind for production. Fantastic designs were produced including Cycladic masks with Aztec-esque decor and heavily textured monolithic wares that would go on to become a trademark. 

In 1968 Troika ware was sold by Heals and Liberty in London during the peak of the pottery thriving. This continued into 1970 when they left the Wheel Dream for larger premises in Fradgan Place, Newlyn, with a staff of 15.

It was in the mid-1970s that changing public taste, declining tourism, and economic strife saw the first strains to the pottery and it would be 1983 before Troika would finally wound up in December 1983.

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

This vivid work of mid-century handblown Japanese art glass design is by Iwatsu Hineri glassworks. Glass collectors familiar with the Murano technique Sommerso (translation 'submerged) will know that this is the art of capturing segments of solid colour in clear glass.

The graceful, extending corners with one flourishing curl are a classic to Hineri interpretation of mid-century art glass, just as the capturing of the Scarlet red, Tangelo orange and Violet within the clear cased triangular base is a rival to the Sommerso technique. The interior of the dish enables a view of the swirling colours as they whirl outwards into varying intensities of colour into the extended corners.

Amongst collectors, the skill and quality applied in creating Japanese art glass is very much known to rival its Western counterparts and can often be more difficult to find. Hineri vases and 4-petalled dishes in this palette are common but the tricorn form of this piece makes it a particularly rare find. 

CONDITION
Very good. No chips and cracks to the exterior. There is negligible surface wear and a micro bruise on the underside of the base that is commensurable with age. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The concave pontil on the underside of the base is a known finishing touch of Iwatsu.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 4.6" /  11.8 cm (base to rim). Width: c. 10" / 25.5 cm (across widest point). Base measurements: c. 3.7" / 9.4 cm (across widest point). Unpackaged weight: c. 1.3 kg /  1,315 g

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
Hineri Iwatsu Glassworks
Unfortunately, little is known about Hineri Iwatsu despite being one of the largest glassmakers in Japan, the commonly cited and understood reason is due to language barriers. However, Iwatsu is deemed to have produced art glass under the Hineri and Art Glass labels before closing in the 1990s. Iwatsu were known to have been based in Osaka in Japan, producing colourful art glass during the 1970s. The quality and style of their work rivalled and is often mistaken for, Italian Murano glass and Czech glass from the same period.

This exquisite and majestic work of mid-century art glass is attributed and bears the technical hallmarks of Canadian art glassworks Chalet Artistic Glassworks which was originally located in Cornwall, Ontario. (Estd. 1962 to 1975)

Crafted with the heritage of Murano techniques, this particular piece uses the technique of Sommerso [tr. 'Submerged'] to capture the liquid Tangelo orange colour into the clear crystal base casing. The impressive 'wings' of the dish are teased outwards from the centre as the dish unfurls. Further complimenting the form are beautifully and evenly ridged lobes that trace the unfolding form.

This exceptional piece of handblown art glass is most suitable for standalone statement display and can be used either functionally or for aesthetic display.   

CONDITION
Excellent. There is negligible and most prominent wear in the form of movement marks on the underside of the base that is commensurable with the age of the piece, please refer to the photos as they form part of the condition report.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 8.3" / 21 cm tall (from base to rim) x c. 19.8" / 50.3 cm in length (across longest point). Width measurements: c. 7.4" / 18.8 cm (across widest point). Base measurements: c. 4.7" / 12 cm x c. 4.7" / 12 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. kg 2.6 / 2,580 g

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY 
Chalet Artistic Glass (Estd. 1962 to 1975) Chalet glass was founded in 1958 in Montreal as Les Industries de Verre et Miroirs before changing its name to Murano Glass in 1960. After a devastating fire, the glassworks moved to Cornwall after encouragement from federal government financial incentives, resuming production in 1961.

The glassworks was Canada’s first handmade decorative glassware company founded by three master glass artists from Venice: brothers Angelo and Luigi Tedesco and Sergio Pagnin. Experiencing success, additional Venetian glassblowers were hired as well as local, Cornwall-based assistants. 

Early production was in the style of traditional Venetian glass that was ornate, following the joining of Sid Heyes from Toronto as its first president, and Garry Daigle as sales manager, Angelo Tedesco and the glassblowers were persuaded towards simpler styles.

Production shifted to the fluid lines and heavy free-form style of what is known as stretch glass and sales began to soar. The glassworks name was finally changed to Chalet Artistic Glass in 1962. Pieces were produced in attention captivating vivid, jewel tones in the 1960s and the organic, flowing shapes were exciting. The range was broad, including centrepieces, bowls, vases, candleholders, baskets, goblets, birds and animals. Chalet Glass entered the United States and Commonwealth markets with more than 400 shapes. 

Despite the glass artists incredible skill, there were problems within the business operations and sadly, the glassworks went bankrupt in 1975 

This awesome work of Mid-Century Modern design is by Ingrid Atterberg, (b. 1920 - d. 2008) a celebrated epitome for illustrious 20th-century Swedish ceramic design. Atterberg was also a leading designer for Upsala Ekeby for whom she designed this vase. 

This hand-thrown and hand-glazed piece comes from Atterberg's Chamotte series designed in 1957 and in production between 1957-1959. The series would go on to be very well-known during this time. The series is comprised of earthenware bowls and vases, characterised by raw textured earthenware juxtaposing the gloss and matte glaze.

This particular piece is beautifully rounded, an excellent canvas for the hand-glazed decor. The chamotte earthenware is incised with sgraffito bands that are filled with the Milk white glaze and a wash all over the bottle form creates the semi-gloss glaze dapple effect. The piece is finished with a band of gloss Iris purple around the belly of the vase as well as the neck.

A Modernist design piece that is classic of its time yet also contemporarily timeless.  

CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks, or repairs. There is mild wear to the underside of the vase that is commensurable with the age of the piece. Please refer to the photographs as they form part of the condition report. The underside is inscribed and stamped with 'UE, 3030 and '547'.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 7.5" / 19 cm tall (from base to rim) x c. 1.2" / 3 cm rim diameter. Diameter: c. 4.9" /  12.5 cm (across widest point. Base diameter: c. 4.7" / 12 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.7 kg / 720 g

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
Ingrid Magdalena Atterberg-Göransson (b. 1920 - d. 2008) was a celebrated epitome of illustrious Swedish ceramic design of the 20th century and a leading designer for Upsala Ekeby in the 1950s and 1960s. Atterberg is represented at the Swedish National Museum of Art and Design.

In 1944, she was employed at Upsala Ekeby, where appreciation for her works as a ceramicist continued to grow over the years. She was known for using 'manganese clay' in the 1940s and chamotte in the 1950s and successfully developed her own glazes. In the late 1940s, her own collection called "Ekeby Verkstad" was born with a numbered series that began at 100.

During her career, Atterberg had several exhibitions and received a gold medal for her work in Italy as well as completing a number of public commissions. 

This striking work of Swedish mid-century Modernist design is by Tilgmans Keramik of Gothenburg, Sweden, and was designed during the era of Marian Zawadzki (b. 1912 - d. 1978) a professor, artist, and ceramist who became artistic director for Tilgmans during the fifties. A bottle vase personally incised and signed by Zawadski in an aesthetically similar style can be seen in the photos. 

Zawadzki's experimentation with the Sgraffito technique brought great popularity and appreciation for Tilgman's ceramics and his work became exemplary for Tilgmans. 

Zawadzki's stylised use of the Sgraffito technique is a significant feature in this piece, with deep incisions creating the angular and textured décor. True to the roots of Modernist design, the simple bottle form and boldly geometric décor overlaid onto the base material speaks to an honest expression of the natural earthenware. From the incised décor to the glaze to the earthenware, all aspects are highly tactile. The unglazed sections creates confident contrast against the individually glazed sections of boldly geometric, Sgraffito décor. The vase is finished with an interior of gloss glaze that is coloured in a dappled brown on beige, a 'cookies and cream' effect. 

This Swedish Modernist work is stylistically bold and timeless, making it suitable as a statement feature for its surrounding space.

CONDITION
Superb. No cracks or repairs. There are minor, negligible chips on the exterior which are commensurate with the age of the piece, and mild use wear on the interior. Please refer to the photos as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the base of the vase is stamped with 'Tilgmans Keramik' and 'Made in Sweden' stamp and model number '619'. 

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 16.9" / 43 cm tall (from base to rim) x c. 3.5" / 8.8 cm rim. Base diameter: c. 5.1" / 13 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 2.2 kg / 2,230 g.

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
Marian Zawadzki (b. 1912 - d. 1978)
Antoni Marian Zawadzki (sometimes known as 'Zawadski' or 'Zawadsky') was an associate professor, artist and ceramist, was born in Poland in 1912 who, as a refugee, moved to Gothenburg in Sweden in 1953. In Gothenburg he worked as an artistic director at Tilgmans Keramik. Zawadzki's best known for his richly decorated objects in the Sgraffito technique.

His works included lamp bases, vases, bowls, urns and wall plates and he would receive commissions for public, municipal and private buildings. Zawadzki would leave Tilgman's Ceramics in 1970, moving to Vallda outside Kungsbacka where he opened his own workshop, Vallda Keramik. The production in his own workshop is very similar to his work at Tilgmans.

This gorgeous work of original Art Deco design is by the British company Beswick Pottery. From the softly geometric, chasing triangles in raised relief decor to the classic ginger urn form with the twist of added depressions of 'dimples', the form of this piece is clean and elegant and classically Art Deco. The excellent form is complimented by a semi-matte Pale-Grey dappled on Stone base glaze complimented by the handpainted, stylised flora decor in powdered tones of Teal, Buttercup, Cornflower and Lilac.

CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks or repairs. There is natural and mild crazing all over and light use wear on the interior of the vase that is commensurate with the age of this piece. The underside of the base is inscribed with 'Beswick Ware, MADE IN ENGLAND' and the impressed model number '70'.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 7" / 18 cm tall (from rim to base) x c. 5.3" / 13.5 cm wide (across widest point). Base diameter: c. 3.5" / 9 cm. Weight: c. 0.8 kg / 750 g

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
The Beswick firm was founded around the 1890s by John Beswick in Staffordshire, UK. His son James would take over upon his death, introducing a new range of jugs, bowls and vases decorated with new matt glazes. Responding to the modernist influence in design, many of these highly distinctive shapes were designed by Mr Symcox and 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.

Though it is said these pieces will never be worth thousands, still, there is revived and growing interest in these Art Deco pieces as they survive in very good condition.

This beautiful set is of Italian mid-century Modernist design by Kristal, Italy. Clearly, an Italian interpretation of the iconic Finnish Ultima Thule design for Iitala by Tapio Wirrkala in 1968 but this set brings with it its own design nuances. 

Instead of resting on melting icicles like that of the Ultima Thule, each piece of this set rests on polished-angle 'ice cubes' and resting centrally within the base of each ice cube, is a single bubble.  

This set is not only iconic with its tactile Modernist surface which create elegant refractions when in the path of light but it also has the ability to colour change. The colour-changing ability comes from Neodymium, an element incorporated into the glass during the crafting process. Under daylight, the Neodymium glass presents a pale lilac colour however, under indoor and fluorescent lighting, the element becomes a pale blue. 

The contemporary statement design is stylistically timeless and very functional, whether as dessert dishes or cocktail tumblers. 

CONDITION
Excellent, no chips or cracks or repairs. There is very mild surface wear that is commensurate with the age of each piece and most evident in subtle movement marks on the underside of the base. Please refer to the photos as they form part of the condition report. The jorum bears part of the original Kristal label. 

MEASUREMENTS
Jorum Height c. 4.3" / 11 cm. Width (widest point) measurements: c. 7.3" / 18.5 cm. Depth: c. 3.5" / 9 cm. Base measurements: c. 3" / 7.5 cm x c. 3" / 7.5cm. 

Tumbler Dish Height c. 3.1" / 8 cm. Width (widest point) measurements: c. 3.7" / 9.3 cm. Depth: c. 2.4" / 6cm. Base measurements: c. 2" / 5.2 cm x c. 2" / 5.2 cm.

Unpackaged weight [Full Set]: c. 2.9 kg / 2,940 g

These sleek and chic works of iconic mid-century Modern art pottery are by celebrated and prominent designer Kurt Tschörner (b. 1912 - d. 1987) for the influential West German Pottery studio of Ruscha Keramik (1905 - 1996). 

The form features gently exaggerated curves and arches all over, reminiscent of popular works of Italian art potteries such as Bertoncello Ceramiche and Roberto Rigon with echoes of architectural geometricism worked into the design. The form is an excellent canvas for the semi-matte and textured lava glaze with similarly bold, hand-painted curves, delineation, charming florals, and colour palette. 

With the seamlessly blended echoes of Italian mid-century art pottery design and earlier Art Deco and Picasso-Cubist-esque influences to the form, it's easy to see why this form is sought after. 

The combination of the form, condition, sizes, and palette makes this duo an even rarer find. These statement works are excellent for stand-alone display.

CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks, or repair. There is negligible surface wear and movement marks on the underside of the bases that is commensurable with the age of the pieces - please see photos as part of the condition report. The underside of the bases are signed - the taller: '321/4, Ruscha, Handgemalt (Handmade) M' and the smaller '321/3, Ruscha, Handgemalt (Handmade) Ed'. 

MEASUREMENTS
321/4 Height: c. 9.6" / 24.3 cm (from base to rim) x c.  6.5" / 16.5 cm in length (across longest point). Width: c.  4.3" / 11  cm. Base measurements: c.  3.5" /  9 cm. 

321/3 Height: c. 7.9" / 20 cm (from base to rim) x c.  5.1" / 13 cm in length (across longest point). Width: c.  3.9" / 10 cm. Base measurements: c.  2.9" /  7.3 cm. Unpackaged weight [Pair]: c. 1.2 kg / 1,215 g

A BIT OF HISTORY
Ruscha (established 1906 - 1996) Originally founded in Rheinbach by Georg Schardt, it was known as Klein & Schardt until 1948. Rudolf Schardt would take over the company and rename it to Ruscha, the name created from the first letters of his fore and surname. As Ruscha entered the ceramics boom in the 1950s, the pottery was joined by art pottery director Cili Wörsdörfer who made her handpainted designs for series such as Milano and Zebra wildly popular. Otto Gerharz was the production director, designing innovative glazes such as Vulkano. 

Ruscha would later add to its success with Kurt Tschörner joining in the 1960s, designing whimsical and daring forms such as the 313 and 321 jug vase that became and remain sought-after hits. 

Other greats who joined Ruscha included Ernst Borens, Hans Welling and Adele Bolz. Unfortunately, the pottery's success came to an end in the 1990s, when it finally closed its doors in 1996, selling its name and many designs to Scheurich who produced vintage-inspired designs under the 'Ruscha Art' brand. 

This beautifully biomorphic and handblown work of Czech Modernist art glass was designed by Josef Cvrcek (b. 1931 - d. 2010) and Miloslav Klinger (b. 1922 - d. 1999) for Bohemian glassworks Zelezny Brod Sklo (ZBS). This piece is a rare-to-market work standing at an imposing 15" in height and crafted from Neodymium (Alexandrite) glass into the organically tactile, twin-chambered form. The rarity of this piece comes from this particular piece's form being crafted from Neodymium, the condition, and this statement size. 

The contemporary form of this piece is composed of a central chamber that is echoed by a smaller, asymmetrical chamber, both of which are firmly cradled by the main body of the solid crystal glass. 

This work is not only special in the abstract, organic form that creates elegant refractions but it also has the ability to colour change. The colour-changing ability comes from Neodymium, an element incorporated into the glass during the crafting process. Under daylight, the Neodymium glass presents a pale lilac colour however, under indoor and fluorescent lighting, the element becomes a pale blue. 

CONDITION
Excellent, no chips or cracks or repairs. There is very mild surface wear that is commensurate with the age of the piece and most evident in movement marks on the underside of the base. Please refer to the photos as they form part of the condition report. 

MEASUREMENTS
Height c. 15.3" / 38.5 cm x c. 7.9" / 20 cm in width (across the widest point). Depth (Thickest point) measurements: c. 2.6" / 6.5 cm. Rim measurement: c. 1.6" / 4 cm x c. 1" / 2.3 cm. Base measurements: c. 5" / 12.6 cm x c. 2.6" / 6.5 cm. Unpackaged weight: 4.5 kg / 4,470 g

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
Josef Cvrcek (b. 1931 - d. 2010) Josef Cvrcek began his career as a glassblower in 1945. He started working at the Zelezny Brod Sklo Glassworks in 1951 and quickly gained recognition for his innovative glass designs. Cvrcek was known for his ability to manipulate glass in ways that were previously thought impossible, such as creating thin, delicate structures that appeared to defy gravity. His work often featured organic forms and abstract shapes, and he frequently incorporated color and texture into his designs. Cvrcek's work can be found in museums and private collections around the world.

Miloslav Klinger (b. 1922 - d. 1999) Miloslav Klinger was born in Hrubá Horka near Železný Brod. After a year of apprenticeship in glass chandeliers with Josef Kleinert, Klinger studied at the Glass School in Železný Brod under the guidance of prof. Jaroslav Brychta and master Jan Stuchlík. After graduating, Klinger worked in Kleiert's company as a designer for two years. After completing his studies, Klinger returns to Železný Brod as a designer, where, apart from his brief career as director of the Glass School in Železný Brod, he remained throughout his life.

Zelezny Brod Glassworks
Železný Brod is an old glass-producing town founded in the eleventh century. It was originally known as Brod ("ford") or Brodek ("little ford"). Železný ("iron") was added to its name in the fourteenth century, alluding to the town's steelworks. The town's main industry is represented by producers of blow-moulded glass, as well as that of jewellers. The Železný Brod (ZBS) glassworks was created in 1948 as a result of nationalisation, at the time, this was made up of 9 glass factories in the town. ZBS being particularly well known for its free-form organic vases and bowls designed by Miroslav Klinger.

This rare and stunning work of Italian mid-century Modern art pottery is by Fratelli Fanciullacci (1862-1988) from the stylised Town series that was designed and in production between the 1950s to 1960s, during the Italian ceramics boom.

The Town series* is characterised by its highly tactile Sgraffito on raw clay décor that is beautifully juxtaposed against the gloss, semi-matte and lava glaze techniques. The base is a rich and matte Cookie-toned earthenware, upon which is incised the geometric town buildings and landscape silhouettes. The vibrant colour palette of Lime green, Tomato Red and Dandelion yellow is boldly offset against the tones of Chocolate, Cookie browns and Milk white. The interior is further gloss glazed in white which enables this to be used functionally. 

Timeless in aesthetic style yet very representative of the mid-century Italian Modern design movement, this piece is in excellent condition with the design and form being particularly rare find.

*Reference: Page: 121, Alla Moda, Italian Ceramics of 1950s-70s, Mark Hill, Published 2012 

CONDITION
Excellent, there are no cracks, or repairs. There is mild surface wear to the glaze that is commensurate with age. The underside of the vase is noted with the model number '7852'. 

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 8.4" / 21.3 cm tall (from base to tallest point). Rim diameter: c. 3.2" / 8.2 cm. Diameter (across widest point): c. 5.9" / 15 cm. Base measurements: c. 4" /  10.2 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 1.0 kg / 985 g

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
Fratelli Fanciullacci (f. 1862 - c. 1988) came from an illustrious lineage with family members having worked for the Ginori porcelain company since the 1700s. Founded as Ceramich Capraia by Raffaello Fanciullacci, it would be the late 1870s before being renamed as Fratelli Fanciullacci.

As early as the 1910s, Fanciullacci became the single largest employer in Montelupo Fiorentino offering over 1,000 different forms and a plethora of patterns and glazes by 1914. During the 1920s-30s, the team included Aldo Londi (who would go on to found Bitossi). Fanciullacci was known for reflecting public desires and contemporary taste in their work. Modern design was introduced shortly after WWII with inspiration taken from Modern art offering a profusion of clean-lined, geometrically influenced forms in a vivacious rainbow of colours. During the mid-century period, over 90% of Fanciullacci's production was exported abroad. 

Sadly, the natural disaster of the River Arno flooding in November 1966 meant widespread destruction, forced closure and redundancies for over a year. Though Fanciullacci rallied in the 1970s, cheaper production abroad resulted in loss of market share and after a number of falterings, Fanciullacci would eventually close in 1988.