Modernist

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 elegant work of Swedish Mid Century Modern design is by Hjördis Oldfors (b. 1920 - d. 2014) for Upsala Ekeby. Oldfors was a celebrated Swedish ceramicist, painting, and textile artist, known for many series she designed at Upsala Ekeby which went on to become classics.

This hand-glazed work comes from Oldfors popular Kokos series, for which there are ten works of earthenware dishes, bowls and vases designed in 1954 and in production until 1958. The series is characterised by the clean-lined, swelling forms and the deliciously tactile decor. The decor is an arrangement of sgraffito bands of glossy Dandelion yellow glaze alternating with the unglazed Dark Chocolate earthenware. The combination of the silky smooth glaze bands and the unglazed elements present a striking and tactile contrast.

The form of this piece and of the series is undeniably Modernist in design, highlighting the seamless harmony of function, form, and raw materials

CONDITION
Excellent - there are no chips, cracks or repairs. There is mild and age-commensurate surface wear to the exterior. The underside of the base is inscribed with Upsala Ekebys 'UE' and Oldfors 'HJ' monogram and the model number '5026'.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 3.3" / 8.5 cm tall (from base to rim). Rim measurements: c. 6" / 15.3 cm x c. 5.8" / 14.8 cm. Base diameter measurements: c. 2" / 5 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.3 kg / 315 g

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
Hjördis Hanna Maria Oldfors (b. 1920 - d. 2014) was a celebrated Swedish ceramicist, painting, and textile artist. Oldfors is known for many series she designed at Upsala Ekeby which went on to become classics; including Poäng (Points), Kokos (Coconut), Trio (Trio), Palma (Palma), and Granit (Granite). Oldfors is represented at a number of museums including; National Museum (Sweden), Röhsska Museum, and at the Nordenfjeldske Konstindustrimuseum.

Though Oldfors was a late arrival to her ceramics career, beginning her studies in 1947 in Gothenburg, she became incredibly successful. Her career at Upsala Ekeby began in 1950 when she was 30 and she would go on to set up her own studio 'Bränd Form' with a number of exhibitions representing Upsala Ekeby and her own studio. The curators of the day are notably known to have said "She has an astonishing certainty in the abstract decor and its adaptation to the form. In this area, she does not have many competitors in our ceramics."

This subtly bold work of Modernist design is British pottery Beswick. Strong curves arch asymmetrically to form the handles on either side of the central vent defining the overall form as a superb backdrop for the contrasting glaze decor.

The base tone of the glaze is the high-quality semi-matte glaze in Buttermilk cream. Overlaid onto the base glaze are handpainted geometric delineations in tones of Dark Chocolate, Apricot, Mint, and Powdered Violet. 

The various elements in the design bring sleek sophistication and elegance suiting a room with decor inspired by Modernist, Art Deco, or Contemporary design influences. 

CONDITION
Excellent, no chips or cracks. There is light wear that is most evident on the underside of and interior that is commensurable with the age of the piece, please see photos as part of the condition report. The underside bears the stamp 'BESWICK, MADE IN ENGLAND' and faintly imprinted the model number '190'.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 7.5" / 19 cm tall (from base to rim) x c. 4.8" / 12.3 cm in length (across the widest point). Unpackaged weight: c. 0.7 kg / 700 g

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

Following James Beswick's death in 1921, his grandson John took over and continued to expand the business. In 1934, introduced a new range of jugs, bowls and vases decorated with new matte glazes. Responding to the Modernist design influence of the time, many of these highly distinctive shapes were designed by Mr Symcox . These works were often decorated in 'satin matte' 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 their Art Deco pieces as they survive in very good condition. They also justify Beswick's annoucement in a 1930's advertisement of "a sound body, with a brilliant, non-crazing glaze fashioned in hundreds of shapes".

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

This subtly bold work of Modernist design influence is by designer and modeller Albert Hallam. The elevated and sharp Right Triangle form of this piece captures attention with its presence and difficult to avoid wherever it is displayed. The form is a superb backdrop for the contrasting glaze decor.

The interior decor is a glossy golden mustard that is not particularly loud on its own. However, when paired with the matte yet iridescent black lustre glaze on the exterior, it becomes a necessity for emphasising the sharply geometric form of the piece.

The various elements in the design bring sleek sophistication and elegance suiting a room with decor inspired by Modernist, Retro, Contemporary, or Industrial design influences. The excellent condition and design of this work are a rare find.

CONDITION
Excellent, no chips or cracks. There is mild use wear that is most evident on the underside of the feet that is commensurable with the age of the piece, please see photos as part of the condition report. The underside of the dish is debossed with 'BESWICK ENGLAND' and the model number '1985' with production period dated to between 1964 to 1972.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 3.9" / 10 cm tall (from base to rim) x c. 14.6" / 37 cm in length x c. 9" / 23 cm in width. Unpackaged weight: c. 1.1 kg / 1,071 g

A BIT OF HISTORY
Albert Hallam (b. 1912 - d. 1975/76)
Albert Hallam joined Beswick in 1926 at the age of fourteen as apprentice mould maker and in due course became the head of mould making and an important modeller in his own right. The growth of his influence followed the retirement of Arthur Gredington and Hallam was instrumental in maintaining Beswick’s high standard of modelling and figure creation.

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

Following James Beswick's death in 1921, his grandson John took over and continued to expand the business. In 1934, introduced a new range of jugs, bowls and vases decorated with new matte glazes. Responding to the Modernist design influence of the time, many of these highly distinctive shapes were designed by Mr Symcox . These works were often decorated in 'satin matte' 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 their Art Deco pieces as they survive in very good condition. They also justify Beswick's annoucement in a 1930's advertisement of "a sound body, with a brilliant, non-crazing glaze fashioned in hundreds of shapes".

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

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 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. 

These stunning works of Swedish mid-century Modernist design are by Hjördis Oldfors (b. 1920 - d. 2014) for Upsala Ekeby. Oldfors was a celebrated Swedish ceramicist, painting, and textile artist, known for the many series she designed at Upsala Ekeby which went on to become classics. 

Designed and in production between 1958 to 1961, this hand crafted work of art pottery comes from Oldfors' City series, for which there are 5 works of vases and dishes. 

The City series is characterised by its highly tactile décor. The base is a rich and matte chocolate-toned earthenware, upon which is incised the interlocking geometric pattern. Reminiscent of stylised city plan blueprints, the incised ‘paths’ are highlighted with the glossy Pale Pistachio green glaze. The work is further complimented by a vivid, glossy Sunshine yellow on the interior. 

Timeless in aesthetic style yet very representative of the mid-century Swedish Modernist design movement, both works are in excellent condition with the vase being a particularly rare find.

CONDITION
Excellent, there are no chips, cracks or repairs. There is mild surface wear that is commensurate with age. The reverse of the dish is stamped with Upsala Ekebys 'UE' and Oldfors 'HJ' monogram and the model number '5174'. The underside of the vase is stamped with Upsala Ekebys 'UE' and Oldfors 'HJ' monogram and the model number '5176'. 

MEASUREMENTS
- Dish: Height: c. 2" / 5.2 cm (from base to rim). Rim measurements: c. 6.5" / 16.5 cm x c. 9.2" / 23.4 cm. Depth: c. 1.9" / 4.8 cm. Base diameter measurements: c. 6" / 15.3 cm x c. 3.4" / 8.6 cm. 

- Vase: Height: c. 9.1" / 23 cm tall (from base to tallest point). Rim diameter: c. 1.3" / 3.3 cm. Diameter (across widest point): c. 3.5" / 8.8 cm. Base measurements: c. 2.4" / 6 cm x c. 2" / 5 cm. 

Unpackaged weight [Combined]: c. 1.1 kg / 1,125 g

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
Hjördis Hanna Maria Oldfors (b. 1920 - d. 2014) was a celebrated Swedish ceramicist, painting, and textile artist. Oldfors is known for many series she designed at Upsala Ekeby which went on to become classics; including Poäng (Points), Kokos (Coconut), Trio (Trio), Palma (Palma), and Granit (Granite). Oldfors is represented at a number of museums including; National Museum (Sweden), Röhsska Museum, and at the Nordenfjeldske Konstindustrimuseum.

Though Oldfors was a late arrival to her ceramics career, beginning her studies in 1947 in Gothenburg, she became incredibly successful. Her career at Upsala Ekeby began in 1950 when she was 30 and she would go on to set up her own studio 'Bränd Form' with a number of exhibitions representing Upsala Ekeby and her own studio. The curators of the day are notably known to have said "She has an astonishing certainty in the abstract decor and its adaptation to the form. In this area, she does not have many competitors in our ceramics."

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 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.