This elegant work of handblown, Swedish art glass miniature is by Bertil Vallien (b. 1938 - ) celebrated glass artist, sculptor, ceramist and designer.
This miniature is from the collectable 'Minos' series from Boda's 'Artist Collection'. The Artist Collection concept was introduced by Vallien to give glass artists the freedom for personal, creative expression and to remove the 'mass produced' feeling. Pieces are limited edition studio works and individual to the artist that created them. As each piece is handblown, this also makes the final décor of each piece organic and unique.
The pale blue exterior of this piece has a lightly golden, pearly-iridescent sheen that is lightly textured. Embedded in the pale blue are diagonal and gently curving bands of a deeper blue. The deeper blue bands cut across the horizontal ribbons of white, creating the swirling, loosely woven pattern.
CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks or repairs, please see photos as they form part of the condition report. Note: This piece is unsigned.
MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 2" / 5 cm x c. 2.8" / 7 cm rim diameter. Base diameter: c. 0.8" / 2 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.1 kg / 70 g
NOTES
Bowl will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY
Born 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 1970's.
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 in the Everson Museum of Art of New York.
Valiien'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.
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THE ITEM
This chic work of 60s - 70s space age design brings with it quiet glamour and classic retro vibes.
The circular form is simple and an excellent canvas for the shimmering glaze decor. The base glaze of the vase is a deep black, which is displayed on the interior of the vase. The base glaze is overlaid with an iridescent lustre glaze that has been applied all over the exterior and which gives glimmers of grape purple, blues, peacock green and gold. The piece is finished with an accent of more obvious glamour with a gold gilding glaze to the foot.
CONDITION
Superb. There are no chips or cracks. There is mild use wear that is most evident on the gold glaze at the foot of the vase and minor spots where the glaze has not completely covered the body during production - please refer to photos as part of condition report.
MEASUREMENTS
c. 10.8" / 27 cm tall (from base to tallest point ) x 9" / 23 cm in width (across widest points).
Unpackaged weight: c. 0.8 kg / 800 g
NOTES
Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
THE ITEM
Although it is not uncommon to come across Beswick Ruskin style dimple vases, however an iridescent palette in dripware form is. With varying shades of deep green, petrol teal, maroon and off-white, offset by the iridescence in the glaze, this pair of vases make for magnificent pride of place display pieces or for their intended use as vases.
A BIT OF HISTORY
The Beswick firm was founded around the 1890's 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 2000's.
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. They also justify Beswicks' boast in a 1930's advertisement of "a sound body, with a brilliant, non-crazing glaze fashioned in hundreds of shapes".
CONDITION
Excellent condition. Apart from the natural crazing that comes with the age of these pieces, there are no chips, scratches or cracks.
MEASUREMENTS
c. 7" / 18 cm tall (from centre of rim to base) x c 3.5" / 9 cm wide (across its widest points)
Unpackaged weight: c. 1.4 kg / 1,392 g
NOTES
Vases will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured.
Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
THE ITEM
This tall and graceful work of handblown art glass is by Erwin Eisch, German glass artist and painter.
The form of this piece is beautifully balanced with Art Nouveau and Loetz, Kralik influences yet still retaining the artistic creativity of Eisch. Lightly organic, this piece is finished with an undulating rim. The purple glass has finely 'pulled feather' detail within it that shows off fine bands of turquoise and apricot. The crackled gold iridescence begins at the rim, moves down from the neck and fans out around the body of the vase.
CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks or repairs. There is negligible surface wear that is commensurate with the age of the piece - please refer to photos as part of the condition report. The underside of the base is inscribed with Eisch's signature of 'Eisch' and dated with '1983'.
MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 18" / 46 cm x c. 5.6" / 15 cm diameter (across widest point). Unpackaged weight: c. 1.6 kg / 1,560 g
NOTES
Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured.
Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY
The glass-making tradition of the Eisch family has been traced back to Mathias Alesch, born in the Bohemian Forest in 1689 and listed among the employees of a small glassworks there. In December 1952 the first glass was smelted in what was at the time the latest and smallest glassworks in Bavaria. In spite of initial difficulties, by 1956 Eisch glassworks had expanded to a 12-pot furnace.
The full name - Glashütte Eisch, lies at the heart of the Bavarian Forest, it is here that the Eisch family has been producing hand-made glass for over 60 years. Erwin Eisch has been regarded as the founder of the international studio glass movement since the 1960s, with Harvey Littleton as one of the first artists to use glass as a medium of artistic expression.
Currently held on consignment at Andrews Oakville
This sleek and Modern work of French mid-century 1960s design is by Verceram Céramique. (c. 1940s - 1971) The form of this piece is that of an oval accentuated at each end to create fold-down collars, with brass-sphere buttons to match the graceful handle accent. The form is an excellent canvas for Verceram's iconic palette of iridised pearl and blue-black glaze that forms the rim and body of the dish.
Edgy and avant-garde for its time, the uncommon design makes it boldly timeless and suitable for display as a standalone piece or for functional use. The combination of the design, size, and condition makes it a particularly rare find.
CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks, or repairs. The most notable wear are the surface marks to the iridised glaze that is present all over and is commensurable with the age of the piece. Please refer to photographs as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the base bears Verceram's V-in-a-circle stamp and the original Verceram label is present on the interior of the dish.
MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 8.5" / 21.5 cm (from base to handle) x c. 6.4" / 16.3 cm in width (across widest point). Length: c. 12.2" / 31 cm. Base: c. 3.7" / 9.5 cm. Unpackaged weight: 0.7 kg / 685 g
A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY
Verceram Céramique. (c. 1940s - 1971)
Precious little is known about Verceram Céramique. Verceram collectors and enthusiasts have determined that the art pottery was probably based in Montreuil, an Eastern suburb of Paris and owned by a Monsieur Caux. The workshop and factory were active from around the 1940s until 1971 during the decades of 'Les Trente Glorieuses' (the thirty glorious').
What is very well known are the other-worldly and style-defining art pottery pieces by Verceram during the 1960s. With striking contrast and avant-garde abstract shapes in iridescent metallic glazes of pearlised white and an iridescent blue-black, these glazes were notoriously difficult to master. The glazes scratch easily which makes it a challenge to find mint-condition glazed pieces today.
At its start, Verceram produced late Art Deco-inspired works in green and red enameling before moving to bolder colours and textured finishes drawing inspiration from patterns found in nature. These earlier experimental styles would be the precursor to Verceram's iconic iridescent and sleek form designs.
Currently held on consignment at Andrews Oakville
This striking and majestic work of French mid-century Modernist design is by Verceram Céramique. (c. 1940s - 1971) The base form of this piece is that of an oval that has been accentuated at each end culminating in a pleat with 'fins' either side. The overall piece is similar to that of an geometric yet gently curved paper model shaped from ceramic. The shape is an excellent canvas for Verceram's iconic palette of iridised pearl and blue-black glaze that is showcased beautifully against the curves and arches.
Edgy and avant-garde for its time, the uncommon design makes it boldly timeless and suitable for display as a standalone piece or for functional use.
CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks, or repairs. The most notable wear are the surface marks to the iridised glaze that is present all over and is commensurable with the age of the piece. Please refer to photographs as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the base bears Verceram's V-in-a-circle stamp and the original Verceram label is present on the interior of the dish.
MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 5.9" / 15 cm (from base to rim) x c. 11.4" / 29 cm in width (across widest point). Length: c. 23.3" / 59 cm. Base: c. 6.7" / 17 cm x c. 4.3" / 11 cm. Unpackaged weight: 2.5 kg / 2,525 g
A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY
Verceram Céramique. (c. 1940s - 1971)
Precious little is known about Verceram Céramique. Verceram collectors and enthusiasts have determined that the art pottery was probably based in Montreuil, an Eastern suburb of Paris and owned by a Monsieur Caux. The workshop and factory were active from around the 1940s until 1971 during the decades of 'Les Trente Glorieuses' (the thirty glorious').
What is very well known are the other-worldly and style-defining art pottery pieces by Verceram during the 1960s. With striking contrast and avant-garde abstract shapes in iridescent metallic glazes of pearlised white and an iridescent blue-black, these glazes were notoriously difficult to master. The glazes scratch easily which makes it a challenge to find mint-condition glazed pieces today.
At its start, Verceram produced late Art Deco-inspired works in green and red enameling before moving to bolder colours and textured finishes drawing inspiration from patterns found in nature. These earlier experimental styles would be the precursor to Verceram's iconic iridescent and sleek form designs.
This elegant and glamourous work of Art Deco, Hollywood Regency design is by the British Pottery Crown Devon. Like that of Art Deco, there is a focus on shape and absence of superfluity, however, Hollywood Regency (sometimes known as Regency Moderne) accentuates the use of bold colour and often contrasts with metallic accents to signify opulence. The curves and lines of this piece are streamlined and softly but beautifully exaggerated to represent a stylised feather fan resting on a golden base, finishing with a curled tip accent on both sides. The exterior décor is a rich iridescent and pearlised glossy glaze, amplifying the tones of luxury and grandeur.
This refined piece is stylistically glamourous, timeless and the combination of the design with the colour palette makes it a particularly rare find.
CONDITION
Excellent. There are no chips or repairs. There is insignificant wear to the gold gilt glaze and general crazing all over that is commensurate with the age of the piece. There are mild, age-commensurate movement marks to the underside of the base. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report.
MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 7.9" / 20 cm (from base to rim) x c. 5.7" / 14.5 cm rim (across widest point). Width: c. 6.3" / 16 cm (across widest point). Base diameter: c. 4.3" / 11 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.6 kg / 560 g
NOTES
Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY
Crown Devon Fieldings (1870 - 1982)
The pottery was founded in 1870 by Simon Fieldings in Stoke on Trent but it would be 10 years later before they began to produce Majolica style pottery that was popular during the 1880s. Their product range began to expand in the 1890s, working with British United Clock company and they would continue to expand their product range as popularity flourished after successful world trade fairs in the 1900s. They sustained their success for over a century before sadly closing in 1982 at the time of the recession.