Beautifully Unusual

This striking work of Swedish Mid-Century Modernist design the signed work of Marian Zawadski (b. 1912 - d. 1978) a professor, artist, and ceramist who became artistic director for Tilgmans Keramik of Gothenburg, Sweden during the 1950s. 

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

Zawadski's stylised use of the Sgraffito technique is a significant feature in this piece, with deep incisions creating the heavily arched, angular, and textured décor. True to the roots of Modernist design, the simple bottle form with 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 create a 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 Powdered Duck Egg tone. 

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 base of the body is incised with Zawadski's signature 'A.M.Z' and dated '1966'. The underside of the base of the vase is stamped with 'Tilgmans Keramik' and 'Made in Sweden' stamp and model number '620'. 

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 22.2" / 56.5 cm tall (from base to rim) x c. 4.5" / 11.5 cm rim diameter. Base diameter: c. 6.1" / 15.5 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 5.8 kg / 5,800 g.

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
Marian Zawadski (b. 1912 - d. 1978)
Antoni Marian Zawadski (sometimes known as 'Zawadzki' 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. Zawadski is 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. Zawadski 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 striking handblown work of Swedish art glass design is by Bertil Vallien (b. 1938 - ), celebrated glass artist, sculptor, ceramist, and designer. Vallien's career in glass began at Boda Glassworks in 1963, upon his return to Sweden from his studies in art and ceramics, both in Sweden and the US. Vallien's experimentation with sand-casting glass techniques would eventually bring him fame and this fascination is evident even in this exploratory piece.

The exterior surface of this piece is undulating, uneven, and with a base colour of pearlescent green. The next layer is a dappling in rich Inky Indigo which encircles the bowl interspersed with what appears to be a Powdered Peach tone. The iridescence is underpinned with lava-rock-like texture and the whole piece is finished with a dusted Peridot-toned 'pebble'. The interior of the bowl is a smooth, semi-matte and frosted layer of glass overlaid in iridescence.

The overall effect is quite spectacular, giving the air of a delicate bowl carved from an extraterrestrial iridescent geode of quartz crystal and lava. 

This particular piece is numbered and marked as 'Unik', indicating that it is a unique piece and when combined with the design, craftsmanship and condition, makes this piece a rare find. 

CONDITION
Excellent, no chips, cracks or repairs. Age-commensurate wear, most prominently on the underside of the bowl, please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The bowl is inscribed with 'BODA UNIK 3645 B.VALLIEN. The exterior also bears the silver label 'Handmade Boda Sweden'.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 3.2" /  8.2 cm x c. 4.1" / 10.4 cm diameter (across widest point). Base diameter: c. 2" / 5cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.3 kg / 275 g.

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
Born in 1938, Bertil Vallien was only 15 when he left home, drawn by the allure of the big city. After a series of occasional jobs, as a window-dresser at one of the main department stores in Stockholm, and as an apprentice in his father's decorating firm, Vallien would eventually decide to become an artist which would lead him into the world of ceramics. The guidance he received in his early career included that of Stig Lindberg - one of Sweden's foremost designers of ceramic art and one of the leading designers for Rörstrand in the 1970s.

Today, Vallien is one of the most well-known representatives of 20th-century Swedish ceramic and art glass design and is represented at the Swedish National Museum of Art and Design as well as abroad at the Everson Museum of Art of New York.

Vallien's works have only become more collectable over the years with sculptures from his Head and Journey (Boat) series fetching up to $20,000 USD.

This striking work of Swedish art glass design is by Bertil Vallien (b. 1938 - ), a celebrated glass artist, sculptor, ceramist, and designer. This piece is attributed as a variation of the Columbus series which Vallien created for Kosta Boda and is 1 of 100 pieces. 

Suspended inside the sculpture are symbols through which Vallien communicates, icons, and mythological expression. This boat tells the journey from yesterday to tomorrow. The ship forms an encapsulated timeline where the stern is the past, and the bow is what is to come. The center of the boat bears the passenger, ladder, and a celestial body. The bow is clear, as the future is unwritten and hopeful. The piece is finished with solid clear interior created by the pouring of molten glass and silver plating on the exterior.

Vallien's sand casting technique has brought him worldwide acclaim. Using wooden models, he creates a hollow in the sand which is then filled with various powdered oxides giving finishings from textures to frosted patterns of colour. The 'story' is created by Vallien with the placement of the symbols and icons before molten glass is poured into the sand moulds.  

CONDITION
Excellent, no chips, cracks or repairs. Age-commensurate wear, most prominently on the exterior silver plating, please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The sculpture is inscribed with '7520114 Kosta Boda, Lim. ['Limited Edition'] B Vallien ' and labelled on the exterior with the 'KOSTA BODA, Sweden 1742' label.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 2.3" / 5.8 cm x c. 9.8" / 25 cm in length x c. 2.6" / 6.5 cm width.  Unpackaged weight: c. 1.2 kg / 1,205 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 1938, Bertil Vallien was only 15 when he left home, drawn by the allure of the big city. After a series of occasional jobs, as a window-dresser at one of the main department stores in Stockholm, and as an apprentice in his father's decorating firm, Vallien would eventually decide to become an artist which would lead him into the world of ceramics. The guidance he received in his early career included that of Stig Lindberg - one of Sweden's foremost designers of ceramic art and one of the leading designers for Rörstrand in the 1970s.

Today, Vallien is one of the most well-known representatives of 20th-century Swedish ceramic and art glass design and is represented at the Swedish National Museum of Art and Design as well as abroad at the Everson Museum of Art of New York.

Vallien's works have only become more collectable over the years with sculptures from his Head and Journey (Boat) series fetching up to $20,000 USD.

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 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

This statement 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 centrepiece. 

This hand-thrown and hand-glazed piece comes from Atterberg's Chamotte series designed in 1957, the series would go on to be very well known during this time. The series was comprised of 13 earthenware bowls and vases characterised by textured earthenware in juxtaposed gloss glaze and matte glaze.

This particular piece is elegantly lengthy, providing an excellent canvas for the hand-glazed decor. The colour palette is a composition of muted Ink and Midnight navy, Stone whites, Powdered Mint green, and Electric blue that is offset against the matte Mocha brown. The glaze is overlaid with bold geometric accents in Jet black as is the exterior of the bowl. 

A stunning piece that is majestic in size with excellent condition and in a Modernist design that is classic of its time yet also contemporarily timeless.  

CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks, or repairs. There is mild wear to the exterior of the bowl 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, 2308 and Atterberg's 'Abg' initials. The interior of the dish also bears the original Upsala Ekeby label. 

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 3.1" / 8 cm tall (from base to rim) x c. 7.5" / 19 cm width x c. 16.5" / 42 cm length (across widest and longest points) Depth c. 3" / 7.5 cm Base: c. 5.9" / 15 cm x c. " 2.6 / 6.5 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 1.4 kg / 1,395 g

NOTES
Bowl 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. 

his statement 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, the series would go on to be very well known during this time. The series was comprised of 13 earthenware bowls and vases characterised by textured earthenware in juxtaposed gloss glaze and matte glaze.

This particular piece is elegantly lengthy, providing an excellent canvas for the hand-glazed decor. The colour palette is a composition of Powdered Mint Green, Stone whites, and Electric blue with bold geometric accents in Jet black.  A stunning piece that is majestic in size with excellent condition and in a Modernist design that is classic of its time yet also contemporarily timeless.  

CONDITION
Excellent. There is mild wear to the underside of the vase that is commensurable with the age of the piece. The base is further protected by 4 protective felt pads. Please refer to the photographs as they form part of the condition report. The underside is inscribed and stamped with 'UE, 2316 and Atterberg's 'Abg' initials.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 15.7" / 40 cm tall (from base to rim) x c. 2" / 5 cm x c. 1.8" / 4.5 cm rim diameter. Diameter: c. 5.5" / 14 cm (across widest point. Base diameter: c. 3.2" / 8.2 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 2.8 kg / 2,810 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 delicious work of Swedish Mid Century Modern design is by Mari Simmulson (b. 1911- d. 2000) for Upsala Ekeby. Simmulson was a celebrated Swedish ceramics designer and ceramicist, known for many series she designed at Upsala Ekeby which went on to become classics. This hand-thrown and hand-glazed work comes from Simmulson's Iris series, these earthenware works were designed around 1956 to 1957. The series is characterised by the delightfully organic blue and white stripes that are edged with Vanilla cream dots. There is firm delineation between the stripes and dots combined with the glossy glaze gives this piece a very touchable, tactile quality. The combination of the organic lines in black, the 'sprinkled' blue and pink speckled white glaze that is highlighted by the cheerful cream dots makes brings a joyful vibe to the overall piece.

This design is typically more difficult to source and the great condition this particular piece is in makes it an even rarer find. Stylistically, this work is timeless and is suitable for standalone display or functionally as a vase, a bowl or even as a tealight lantern. 

CONDITION
Excellent - there are no chips, cracks or repairs on the exterior of the vase. Mentioned for completeness: there is a single chip on the underside of the 'frog' (flowerholder) c. 1cm x 0.6cm that is not visible during display.   The underside of the base is inscribed with Upsala Ekebys 'Ekeby' and Simmulson's 'ms' monogram as well as the model number '328'.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 4.3" / 11 cm tall (from base to rim). Rim measurements: c. 7.2" /  18.2 cm (across widest point). 'Frog' (flower holder) diameter: c. 3.1" /  7.8 cm Base measurements: c.  3.5" / 8.8 cm. Depth: c. 3.7" / 9.3 cm (from rim). Unpackaged weight: c. 0.8 kg / 760 g

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
Mari Peterson Särgava, ceramicist and textile artist (b. 1911- d. 2000) began her career with an internship with Arabia in Finland and it was during this time she married Gustaf Simmulson.

Simmulson moved to Sweden in 1944 and began working with Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsbergs, staying until 1949. Her career took her to Uppsala Ekeby in 1949, where she designed vases, figures, reliefs and wall paintings, many of them noted as unique pieces. She became a leading designer at Uppsala Ekeby where she remained until the early 1970s. Simmulson also received commissions for public pieces including at Luleå Kol, Upplandsbanken and Pharmacia.

This charmingly chic and sculptural statement piece is of Seventies Modernist design by Dutch company Duif Keramiek. Crafted from white clay, the form of this piece is that of a polished globe shape that has been lightly 'shaved' at two sides and then rounded inwards to create the handle of the vase. The composition is finished with a 'stand-up collar' rim.  The simple but elegant form makes this an excellent piece for the beautiful glaze that is a cream-beige accented with Nutmeg brown speckles. The imposing Statement size and design, combined with the palette and condition of the piece makes it an exceptionally rare find. 

This timelessly elegant and very Modernist piece would suit a Minimalist, Modernist or even Contemporary décor themed room.

CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, damage or repairs. There is mild use wear that is most evident in movement marks on the underside of the base. Please do refer to photos as they form part of the condition report.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 9.1" / 23 cm x diameter: c. 7.7" / 19.5 cm (across widest point). Rim opening: c. 3.9" / 10 cm. Base diameter: c. 4.6" / 11.7 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 2.4 kg / 2,390 g

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
Duif Keramiek (1956 – present) Duif Keramiek was founded by Joop Duivenvoorden who began his career by driving up and down the Netherlands selling flowers every day. It was this connection to flowers that helped him see great potential in mini vases. From this, he decided to start his own business and founded Duif’s Keramiek BV on 1 February 1956. Originally based in a garage, he began his one-man business selling mini vases to florists.

Duif’s developed into a modern ceramics business with 15 employees, with sales reps selling directly out of their lorries. Later, they started visiting clients and attending trade fairs across the Netherlands. Duivenvoorden’s two sons, John and Marcel, joined the family business in the early 1980s and in 1984, Duif’s opened a store at Cultra. Duif’s continued to experience success over the years, expanding to importing and exporting - not just ceramics but glassware too. The company became Duif’s international in 2016, with its import and export range extended to other materials such as metals and decorative products such as silk flowers.

This beautifully undulating work of Mid Century design is from Vallauris, France. Artistic ceramics began to emerge from Vallauris from the end of the 19th century and was elevated further by the arrival of Picasso from 1948.

The form of this particular piece is stylised, with the closest glass counterpart being the Splash bowl, examples of which have been made iconic by Murano. However, unlike a glass Splash bowl which mimics thinner liquids, this work more closely mimics melted chocolate. There are four crests to the 'splash', rising from the broadly rectangular form. The base glaze is a rich, smooth and glossy Milk Chocolate brown. Overlaid onto the base glaze is a interspersing and running glaze in tones of Cherry Red, Vanilla cream and varying tones of brown in Honeycomb, Fudge and Caramel. 

The majestic size with the subtly striking palette makes this piece suitable for standalone display or for functional use as a table centrepiece. 

CONDITION
Excellent. There are no chips, cracks or repairs. There is mild surface wear and movement marks on the underside of the base that is commensurable with the age of the piece. Please see photographs as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the vase bears the 'Vallauris' inscription.  

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 4.4" / 11.2 cm. Rim measurements: c. 12.2" / 31 cm x c. 8.3" / 21 cm (across longest/widest points). Depth: c. 2" / 5 cm. Base measurements: c. 7.2" / 18.3 cm x c. 2.8" / 7 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 1.4 kg / 1,420 g

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
Vallauris Pottery Ceramics have always been part of the Vallauris region, however, artistic ceramics began to emerge from Vallauris from the end of the 19th century notably thanks to the Massier family. Other famous names include Delphin and Jérôme introduced coloured enamels and metallic pigments into their ceramics. The region's reputation was elevated further by the arrival of Picasso from 1948.

This striking work of mid-century Modern design is by Roger Capron (b.1922 - d.2006) for his ceramic studio factory in Vallauris, France. Alongside names such as Picasso, Robert Picault and Jean Derval, Capron was a key contributing figure in the renaissance of ceramics in Vallauris.

The bold use of the hand-painted, strong Charcoal black lines to separate and organically shape the high-colour, gloss-glazed sections is characteristic of Capron's design style. The setting of the colour palette against the backdrop of the luxuriantly sumptuous, silky matt-white base glaze is yet another Capron design trait that is applied to the rounded square bottle form. The vivid colour palette for this particular piece consists of Charcoal black, Goldenrod Yellow, Navy Ink blue and Persimmon orange which is a beautiful juxtaposition to the otherwise simple form.

This piece is both subtle and distinct at the same time, with a timelessness to its design that is suitable for standalone display or functionally as a simple Ikebana vase.

CONDITION
Very Good. There is mild surface wear to the glaze and movement marks on the underside of the base that is commensurable with age. Mentioned for completeness: There is one chip present on the underside of the base that measures c. 1cm x 0.4cm that does not detract from display. Important: Please see photographs as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the base bears the signature and identifying marks of: 'CAPRON, Vallauris, F22'

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 9.6" / 24.5 cm. Rim: c. 1" / 2.6 cm diameter. Body dimensions: c. 3.2" / 8.2 cm x c. 3.3" / 8.5 cm. Base measurements: c. 3.2" / 8.2 cm x c. 3.1" / 8 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.6 kg / 600 g

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
Roger Capron (b. 1922 - d. 2006)
Capron was born in Vincennes, France in 1922 and became a student at the School of Applied Arts (École des Arts Appliqués à l'Industrie) in Paris at the age of 16, and by 1945, a professor at the same school. In 1946 and at the age of 24, Capron moved to Vallauris, setting up the 'l`Atelier Callis' workshop in collaboration with Robert Picault and Jean Derval. By 1952, he was ready to establish his own ceramic studio factory in Vallauris and within 5 years he'd developed a significant international reputation.

Capron work was known for its Modernistic emblematic forms with characteristics of his work represented in stylized branches, characters, geometrical suns that would functional works of art that made typically made a colourful and creative statement in the spaces they were displayed.

The studio factory sadly closed in 1982 due to the economic crisis but did not prevent the founding of Atelier Capron in 1983. In his lifetime, Capron won numerous design awards, enshrining him as a key contributing figure in ceramic design before his death in 2006.

This striking work of Swedish mid-century Modernist design by Marian Zawadzki (b. 1912 - d. 1978) who was a professor and later, artist and ceramist for Tilgmans Keramik of Gothenburg, Sweden. Zawadzki's experimentation of 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 absolutely a feature in this piece and is rare as it bears the artist's personal monogram and dating on the body of the vase.

True to the roots of Modernist design, the simple form and boldly geometric décor of this vase speaks to an honest expression of the natural earthenware. The texture of the earthenware is very tactile, with sections left deliberately coarse and unglazed. The unglazed sections create 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 Spearmint green towards the neck and a softer cream towards the base.

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 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 '606'. The body of the vase is inscribed with Zawadzki's 'M' logo and dated with '1966'.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 14.7" / 37.3 cm tall (from base to rim) x 5.9" / 15 cm rim and base diameter. Unpackaged weight: c. 3.1 kg / 3,120 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 stylised work of British art pottery piece is of English late-Art Deco design from the 1930s and is by the pottery Empire Ware.

Beautifully sculptural and seemingly simple, this piece is a manifestation of the significant technique needed to result in its evenly hand-formed body. The Art Deco accents appear most prominently in the softly geometric, diamond form. The hand-painted, silky, semi-matte glaze décor on the interior is a beautifully dappled blending of Iced/Powdered Turquoise that graduates into the Iced Peach Tea tones. The exterior décor is a reflection of the interior with the same tones.

This piece has a gracefully elegant presence, an embodiment of English Art Deco design from c. 85 years ago. The combination of its form, colour palette and condition makes it a particularly rare find.

CONDITION
Superb. There are no chips, cracks or repairs. There is mild age-wear in the form of movement marks on the underside of the base and faint crazing all over that is commensurate with the age of the piece. Please refer to photographs as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the base is marked with Empire Ware's stamp.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 3.5" / 9 cm by c. 12.4" / 31.5 cm length (across longest point). Width c. 8" / 20.2 cm (across widest point). Base measurements: c. 3" / 7.5 cm. Weight: c. 0.6 kg / 600 g

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
Empire Ware began life as Empire Works, producing earthenware and porcelain in 1896 in Stoke-on-Trent. The company lasted through the decades reinventing themselves a few times until the works became too difficult to modernise and led to their closure in 1967. In more recent times, the mark 'Empire Ware Made in Portugal' appeared on the market however, pieces from this company are known as a tribute and reproductions of the original company.

This stylised work of British art pottery piece is of English late-Art Deco design from the 1930s, with a colour palette similar to that of Monet's 'Wisteria' Impressionist painting.

Beautifully sculptural and seemingly simple, this piece is a manifestation of the significant technique needed to result in its evenly hand-formed body. The Art Deco accents appear most prominently in the softly geometric, diamond form. The hand-painted, silky, semi-matte glaze décor on the interior is a beautifully dappled blending of Azure blue tones with Golden Sand, Teal Green and Chocolate Brown. The exterior décor is a reflection of the interior with the same tones that is edged at the base with the Chocolate Brown. 

This piece has a gracefully elegant presence, an embodiment of English Art Deco design from c. 85 years ago. The combination of its form, colour palette and condition makes it a particularly rare find.

CONDITION
Superb. There are no chips, cracks or repairs. There mild age-wear in the form of movement marks on the underside of the base that is commensurate with the age of the piece. Please refer to photographs as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the base is unmarked. 

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 3.5" / 9 cm by c. 12.4" / 31.5 cm length (across longest point). Width c. 8.3" / 21 cm (across widest point). Base measurements: c. 6.1" / 15.5 cm x  3.9" / 10 cm. Weight: c. 0.6 kg / 600 g

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

Wadeheath Ceramics 1867 - present
Wadeheath Ceramics was originally founded in 1867, in Burslem, England, a collective of different pottery companies that specialised in earthenware and porcelain.

The original companies were:

• Wade & Myatt (later became George Wade & Son, which made industrial ceramics and Wade Whimsies). Established 1867.
• John Wade & Co (later Wade Heath & Co, which made decorative ware, particularly Art Deco vases in the 1930s). Established 1867.
• J & W Wade (later AJ Wade Ltd, which made tiles, notably the original tiles for the London Underground). Established 1891.

Wade made its way into history with beautiful ceramic art ware known as Flaxman Ware in the Art Deco style by Wade Heath & Co and its figure collection known as Wade Whimsies that became hugely popular in the UK and America in the 1950s.

This richly detailed yet simply silhouetted studio ceramic sculpture is a work of contemporary French design.

Featured is a strong composition and fusion of techniques upon the clay as well as within the glaze. From the Sgrafitto-like etched accents, print impression to the clay to the layers of glaze which have been brush-painted and dripped. The colour palette is a harmonious blend of earth tones. The colours range across a spectrum of browns with some emphasised in a metallic tint and extends into the glossy Red Earth hues.

The sculpture features a combination of design influences from the Modernist celebration of functional form to the Brutalist ' celebration of raw materials. Crafted with a centralised reservoir, this piece is well suited to function as an Ikebana and indeed, both the form and colours hint at Japanese Raku pottery.

CONDITION
Excellent. There is mild use wear in the form of movement marks on the underside of the base that is commensurate with the age of the piece. Mentioned for completeness: There is a hairline fracture on the underside of the base, however, this is from the crafting process and not damage or defect, it is also not visible when the piece is upright and on display. Please refer to photographs as they form part of the condition report. The piece is signed towards the base of one side panel.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 5.5" / 14 cm tall (from base to tallest point) x c. 3.5" / 8.8 cm width (across widest point). Depth: c. 2" / 5.1 cm (from front to back). Unpackaged weight: c. 0.5 kg / 500 g

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

This chicly fun, Modernist Op Art work that is brimming with Summery vibes is of mid-century German design.

Crafted from white clay, the form of this piece is that of a stylised Moon Flask. The two 'faces' of the vase bears a finishing of lightly ingrained concentric circles, which give a tactile, rippling effect. The subtle but elegant form makes this an excellent piece for the art of Ikebana [tr. 'making flowers alive'.] and a superb canvas for the beautiful glaze. The base gloss glaze is a cool Sky blue that has been overlaid with a free-flowing Daisy white upon which is an infusion of coloured sprinklings in tones Blueberry, Strawberry, Lemon and Lime. 

This piece will emit its reminders of Summer fun whatever the season. 

CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, damage or repairs. There is mild use wear that is most evident in movement marks on the underside of the base, please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. 

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 8.3" / 21 cm x Width: c. 5.7" / 14.6 cm (across widest point). Depth c. 3.1" /  8 cm. Rim opening c. 1.6" / 4 cm. Base measurements: c. 3.1" / 7.8 cm x c. 1.8" / 4.5 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.6 kg / 550 g

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

THE ITEM
This charming mid-century piece with its romantically moody Steel blue is crafted from Lucite (also known as Plexiglas). Lucite became widely available in the late 1930s as a lightweight alternative to glass and this particular piece is cool to touch as glass is as well as ringing with glass-like tones when gently tapped.

The footed form of this piece is well-balanced and functionally versatile, and also lends itself to excellent refractions. Crafted in a cool-toned Steel blue, it is further decorated with an overlay of handpainted sweeping and swirling bands in Lemon yellow and Tangerine Orange.

This retro Modernist piece will make an excellent accent piece to a room with similarly themed Mid Century, Modernist or Retro decor.

CONDITION
Excellent. No chips or cracks or repairs. There is mild wear that is predominantly in the form of wear to the underside of the vase and negligible wear to the exterior body. There are a few minor inclusions from the production process and have been mentioned for completeness, please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report.

MEASUREMENTS
Height c. 4.3" / 11 cm x width: c. 4.7" / 12 cm (across the widest point). Base diameter: c. 2.2" / 5.6 cm. Rim (opening) diameter: c. 4.3" / 11 cm. Unpackaged weight: 0.1 kg / 126 g

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

THE ITEM
This vivaciously spirited and tactile composition is by German artist Bea Schröder from Atelier MicMac, Düsseldorf, Germany.

This particular piece is an earlier work that incorporates a broad spectrum of techniques as well as multiple media types, brought together to create an expression of Schröder's pictographic and symbol-based 'MicMac' art form.

Schröder's MicMac repertoire includes translations of hieroglyphs, petroglyphs from the ancient times, modern iconographic signs of our time, as well as symbols from the Mi'kmaq Indians, one of the First Nations who still live in Canada.

From an interview with the artist; "You don't need an ethnologist to decipher it. You just have to listen to your inner voice." “You recognize the signs, even if you don't know them. The brain begins to work with them and develop their own interpretations.”

CONDITION
Superb. There is negligible age wear that is commensurable with the age of the piece, please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The bottom right corner of the painting is signed with Schröder's signature and dated to 1996.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 19.7" / 50 cm tall x c. 19.7" / 50 cm width. Depth: c. 1.2" / 3 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 1.6 kg / 1,630 gm.

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
Schröder has been a freelance artist since 1992 and enjoyed such success that she went on to establish her own art studio Atelier MicMac in Dusseldorf, Germany.

In Schröder's own words, her art form is MicMac, inspired by her first encounter with the emotional power of symbols used by the Mi'kmaq Indians, one of the First Nations who still live in Canada.

She has incorporated many of the Mi'kmaq symbols into her art as well as being inspired by the bright colours and simple symbols from the Neolithic caves, which were originally used by people to communicate within their communities. Schroder says “Today's caves are homes and workplaces" and translates hieroglyphs and petroglyphs from ancient times into contemporary symbolic languages. She sees her art of communication and motivation as "cave painting for the 21st century".

This charming bohemian work of mid-century design, produced around the 1970s is by the Polish Reflex Craft Cooperative, 'Spółdzielnia Rzemieślnicza Reflex', based in Warsaw. 

The design was named the 'Wazon Sowa', which translates as the 'Owl Vase' although the sweeping twist on both sides suggests a stylised fox peering out from behind its upswept tail. 

The glossy glaze carries rich tones of chocolate brown and a warm, deep red - hence the reference to 'Cherry Chocolate - as well as accents of Cream and Caramel. 

CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks or repairs. There is mild crazing all over and negligible use wear on the interior and the exterior that is commensurate with the age of the piece. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the vase base bears the Reflex Craft Cooperative's original paper label. 

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 8.5" / 21.5 cm tall by 3.9" / 10 cm diameter (across widest point). Rim opening width: c. 2.4" / 6 cm. Base diameter: c.  2.8" / 7 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.6 kg / 602 g

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

THE ITEM
This beautiful work of Scandinavian Modernist design is by Pentti Sarpaneva (b.1925 - d. 1978) Finnish jewellery and decorative designer. This piece was produced by Oy Kumela glassworks for jewellers Torun Hopea. 

Sarpaneva's style was influenced by elements of the rugged Finnish landscape, casting textures from materials such as tree bark and rock. Other inspirations included traditional Finnish lace and the metals he worked with. 

The design of this piece encapsulates much of Sarpaneva's style, his inspirations and the Modernist design influences of the time. The Cornflower blue glass surface shows off a number of textured and angular circular and semi-circular reliefs. The piece is finished with the silver collar that is decorated in Sarpaneva's rugged lace design that can be found in his jewellery designs. However, the collar being cast in silver is a rare find as this series of vases is typically found with a bronze collar. 

CONDITION

Very Good, no chips, cracks or repairs to the glass, there is patinated wear and marring to the silver that is commensurate with the age of the piece - please see photos as part of the condition report. 
The underside of the base is signed 'Pentti Sarpaneva' and 'Oy Kumela' and bears the original silver label 'Turun Hopea, Made in Finland'. The silver collar is also marked with '830' representing the purity of the silver and 'T7' which denotes the year 1972. 

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 3.1" / 8 cm tall x c. 2.8" / 7.2 cm length x c. 2.8" / 7.2 cm width. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.4 kg / 368 g

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

A BIT OF HISTORY

Pentti Sarpaneva (b.1925 - d. 1978)  Sarpaneva trained in graphic
design, at the Institute of Industrial Art and following the war, began his design career in the late 1950s. He designed for Kalevala Koru Oy and later in 1967, he became artistic director for Turun Hopea, remaining there until his death. 

Unique amongst his contemporaries, Sarpaneva would cast his designs straight from nature and the man-made environment, often using rocks and tree bark, as well as discarded rope and lace. During the height of his career, he was known for producing emotive, avant-garde, bold and eccentric designs. 

This stunning work of art by Roger Guerin hints at Northwest Pacific tribal symbolism with the abstract bear and jaybird decor. This hand-thrown vase is an outstanding example of his work, featuring unusual spouts and additions to its shape as well as hand-incised decorations offers high artistic value.

This piece is hand-glazed with a rich mix of earth tones and shades of metallic cobalt blue, copper, pale green, deep and light browns. The special technique of salt glazing gives beautifully rich and variegated surface effect, making it even more unique.

CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks or repairs. There is mild wear to the glaze that is consistent with age and use. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the vase bears Guerin's inscribed signature 'guerin' and number 'A25.6'.

MEASUREMENTS
Height c. 10.2" / 26 cm tall by c. 8" / 20 cm diameter (across the body's widest point). Rim diameter: c. 3.3" / 8.5 cm. Base diameter: c. 3.9" / 9.8 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 1.8 kg / 1,817 gm.

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
Leading ceramicist Roger Guerin or Guérin (1896-1954 ) was a renowned Belgian studio master ceramicist from the village of Bouffioulx near Charleroi. He started his own workshop in 1918 and specialised in experimental salt-glaze techniques at the height of the Art Deco era.

Guerin's use of flowing glazes was typical in his work and he was true to the history of this region, often working on a type of hard ceramic (fired to over 1250 degrees Celsius), which had been made there since the late Middle Ages. His work won a medal at the Paris Exposition des Arts Décoratifs in 1925 and was exhibited in 1937 as well as internationally.

Guérin pottery was produced in short runs. Each piece is numbered and unique, which makes them extra special to have and enjoy.

THE ITEM
Two spectacular pieces of porcelain art by Johan Van Loon, true to his artistic trademark - these are an excellent embodiment of juxtapositions.

The undulating ripples of the matte textured drapes as if it was fabric, the 'fabric' is wrapped around the smooth gloss surface of the structured porcelain body. The visually woven texture of the 'fabric', its ripples and ridges that would otherwise appear along the folds of soft fabric is all held together in one piece next to the glossy-smooth to touch, fine porcelain.

These works of art speak to Van Loons fascination and creativity with ceramic and textile on multiple levels and were created when he was a guest designer at Rosenthal Studio Line. These are pieces which are well deserving of a place in a contemporary, modernist or even industrial decor themed room.

A BIT OF HISTORY
Johan Gerard van Loon
Johan van Loon (1934 - present) is a Dutch ceramist and textile artist. Van Loon studied textile design in Amsterdam and Copenhagen until 1960, during this time, his fascination in ceramics began to manifest and he mastered the skills of a ceramist. During his career, he continued to study and refine, working and learning from well-known names of the time such as Jos Eppens-van Veen, Thera Hofstede Crull, Lucie Rie, Stig Lindberg, Kylikki Salmenhaara and Jan van der Vaart. Van Loons influences came from many places, Amsterdam, London, Stockholm, Helsinki and Copenhagen. Absorbing everything that came his way, over the course of the years Van Loon gained the great technical proficiency that gives him the freedom to express the wealth of his ideas. Few ceramicists are so intrigued by the characteristics of the material as Van Loon. Often the material itself is the locus of expression, usually taking the form of a container, however far removed that may be from its original function.

Rosenthal (1879 - present)
The company founder, Philipp Rosenthal, moved his porcelain painting skills from Werl (North Rhine-Westphalia) to Selb in Bavaria, which he industrialised in the castle Erkersreuth with his painting workshop. The company grew from strength to strength over the years, with original pieces designed by artists such as Salvador Dalí, Andy Warhol, Wilhelm Wagenfeld and Walter Gropius. By 1997, Rosenthal was the market leader for high-quality porcelain and glassware in Germany and was the world market leader in conjunction with Waterford Wedgwood.

Rosenthal studio-line, a brand of Rosenthal made design-oriented crockery and art objects made of porcelain and glass. Sadly, in 2008, the Waterford Wedgwood Group wanted to divest the Rosenthal share package due to liquidity difficulties and as a result of the subsequent collapse of Waterford Wedgwood, the company filed for insolvency in January 2009. Today, Rosenthal operates as an independent company and is part of Sambonet Paderno Industrie.

CONDITION
Excellent, no chips, cracks or scratches - please see photos as part of the condition report. Base of both vases bear Van Loon's signature, as well as the 'Rosenthal Porcelaine Noire, Germany' mark.

MEASUREMENTS
Ginger Jar Form Vase c. 6.3" / 16 cm in height by c. 5.5" / 14 cm (across the body's widest point) Unpackaged weight: c. 0.6 kg / 610 g
Cylinder Form Vase c. 7.5" / 19 cm in height by c. 3.2" /8 cm (across the body's widest point) Unpackaged: c. 0.3 kg / 305 g

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

THE ITEM

This sculpted work of contemporary design is the work of British studio potter Steve Woodhead.  

True to his style, this piece is hand-built as well as hand-thrown. There is highly skilled detail all over, such as each of the feet being coiled before impressing with a grooved surface. The colour palette is a blend of rich royal blue, peacock and powdered watermelon. 

A BIT OF HISTORY

Steve Woodhead has been potting since 1980. setting up his workshop after moving to Rugby, UK from Scarborough in 1987. Woodhead enriched his experience exploring various bodies and glazes and became a fellow of the Craft Potters Association in 1993. He developed his own style in 1995, focusing on brightly coloured work in highly original and sometimes eccentric forms.

Woodhead's work is hand-thrown and hand-built, using surface texture to affect the often multi-layered glazes. The colours of his pieces become deeper and more saturated in the lows and thinner on the highs. He biscuit fires his work in an electric kiln and the reduction firing is in a gas kiln at 1,275 to 1,300°C.

CONDITION

Excellent. No chips, cracks, repairs or signs of use - please see photos as part of condition report. The base is impressed with Steve Woodheads 'sw'' mark.

MEASUREMENTS

c. 5.9" / 15 cm tall x c. 6.3" / 16 cm length (spout to handle). Base diameter c. 3.6" / 9.2 cm. Unpackaged weight: 0.5 kg / 483 g

NOTES

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