This sleek and chic work of iconic mid-century Modern art pottery is by influential West German Pottery studio of Ruscha Keramik (1905 - 1996).
The form features gently exaggerated curves inward becoming an excellent canvas for the semi-matte and textured lava glaze with bold, hand-painted curves, round-angled shapes, charming blue and yellow florals. The colour palette is whimsical, carrying echoes of the 1960s-70s Flower Power period during which the piece was created.
The combination of the form, condition, size, and palette makes it a rare find. This work makes it an excellent statement piece for stand-alone display.
CONDITION Excellent. No chips, cracks, or repairs. There is negligible surface wear and movement marks on the underside of the base that is commensurable with the age of the piece - please see photos as part of the condition report. The underside of the base is signed with '708 2, Ruscha, Handgemalt (Handmade) BW'.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 2.8" / 7 cm (from base to rim) x c. 12.7" / 32.3 cm in width (across widest point). Base measurements: c. 3.9" / 9.9 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 1.2 kg / 1,190 g
A BIT OF HISTORY Ruscha (established 1906 - 1996) Originally founded in Rheinbach by Georg Schardt, it was known as Klein & Schardt until 1948. Rudolf Schardt would take over the company and rename it to Ruscha, the name created from the first letters of his fore and surname. As Ruscha entered the ceramics boom in the 1950s, the pottery was joined by art pottery director Cili Wörsdörfer who made her handpainted designs for series such as Milano and Zebra wildly popular. Otto Gerharz was the production director, designing innovative glazes such as Vulkano.
Ruscha would later add to its success with Kurt Tschörner joining in the 1960s, designing whimsical and daring forms such as the 313 and 321 jug vase that became and remain sought-after hits.
Other greats who joined Ruscha included Ernst Borens, Hans Welling and Adele Bolz. Unfortunately, the pottery's success came to an end in the 1990s, when it finally closed its doors in 1996, selling its name and many designs to Scheurich who produced vintage-inspired designs under the 'Ruscha Art' brand.
Josef Cvrcek and Miloslav Klinger for Zelezny Brod Sklo, Statement Neodymium Vase, 1960s-70s, Rare
Regular price£575.00
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This beautifully biomorphic and handblown work of Czech Modernist art glass was designed by Josef Cvrcek (b. 1931 - d. 2010) and Miloslav Klinger (b. 1922 - d. 1999) for Bohemian glassworks Zelezny Brod Sklo (ZBS). This piece is a rare-to-market work standing at an imposing 15" in height and crafted from Neodymium (Alexandrite) glass into the organically tactile, twin-chambered form. The rarity of this piece comes from this particular piece's form being crafted from Neodymium, the condition, and this statement size.
The contemporary form of this piece is composed of a central chamber that is echoed by a smaller, asymmetrical chamber, both of which are firmly cradled by the main body of the solid crystal glass.
This work is not only special in the abstract, organic form that creates elegant refractions but it also has the ability to colour change. The colour-changing ability comes from Neodymium, an element incorporated into the glass during the crafting process. Under daylight, the Neodymium glass presents a pale lilac colour however, under indoor and fluorescent lighting, the element becomes a pale blue.
CONDITION Excellent, no chips or cracks or repairs. There is very mild surface wear that is commensurate with the age of the piece and most evident in movement marks on the underside of the base. Please refer to the photos as they form part of the condition report.
MEASUREMENTS Height c. 15.3" / 38.5 cm x c. 7.9" / 20 cm in width (across the widest point). Depth (Thickest point) measurements: c. 2.6" / 6.5 cm. Rim measurement: c. 1.6" / 4 cm x c. 1" / 2.3 cm. Base measurements: c. 5" / 12.6 cm x c. 2.6" / 6.5 cm. Unpackaged weight: 4.5 kg / 4,470 g
NOTES Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY Josef Cvrcek (b. 1931 - d. 2010) Josef Cvrcek began his career as a glassblower in 1945. He started working at the Zelezny Brod Sklo Glassworks in 1951 and quickly gained recognition for his innovative glass designs. Cvrcek was known for his ability to manipulate glass in ways that were previously thought impossible, such as creating thin, delicate structures that appeared to defy gravity. His work often featured organic forms and abstract shapes, and he frequently incorporated color and texture into his designs. Cvrcek's work can be found in museums and private collections around the world.
Miloslav Klinger (b. 1922 - d. 1999) Miloslav Klinger was born in Hrubá Horka near Železný Brod. After a year of apprenticeship in glass chandeliers with Josef Kleinert, Klinger studied at the Glass School in Železný Brod under the guidance of prof. Jaroslav Brychta and master Jan Stuchlík. After graduating, Klinger worked in Kleiert's company as a designer for two years. After completing his studies, Klinger returns to Železný Brod as a designer, where, apart from his brief career as director of the Glass School in Železný Brod, he remained throughout his life.
Zelezny Brod Glassworks Železný Brod is an old glass-producing town founded in the eleventh century. It was originally known as Brod ("ford") or Brodek ("little ford"). Železný ("iron") was added to its name in the fourteenth century, alluding to the town's steelworks. The town's main industry is represented by producers of blow-moulded glass, as well as that of jewellers. The Železný Brod (ZBS) glassworks was created in 1948 as a result of nationalisation, at the time, this was made up of 9 glass factories in the town. ZBS being particularly well known for its free-form organic vases and bowls designed by Miroslav Klinger.
Bjorn Wiinblad, 1956 Blue and White Songbird Condiment Cruet, Signed, V. Early, Rare, Danish
Regular price£498.00
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This carefully hand-built and exquisitely illustrated work is by celebrated Danish illustrator and glass, silver, textiles, ceramics designer Bjorn Wiinblad (b. 1918 - d. 2006). This particular piece was created for Bjorn Wiinblad's very first ceramic workshop in Kongens Lyngby [tr. 'the King's Heather Town'], Denmark.
The interconnecting form of this piece is that of a sweet songbird with the head cleverly forming the salt and pepper shaker and the body providing two small wells to hold liquids such as oil and vinegar. Highly romantic, Wiinblad applied his exceptional creativity and imagination to tactile details beyond the overall bird body. From the mildly raised eyes to the swelling wings, care is given down to the tiny crest atop the bird's head.
Handpainted onto the form is the blue-on-white illustrated design with beautifully intricate detailing with tiny rosettes, tendrils, and thistles adorning the body to create this highly tactile mythical songbird.
Stylistically timeless, the design and excellent condition of this piece as well as Wiinblad's full signature with the rare beret-wearing artist caricature makes it a particularly rare and noteworthy find of Wiinblad's early work.
CONDITION Excellent. No chips, cracks, or repairs. There is mild wear that is most evident in the form of faint movement marks on the underside that is commensurable with the age of the piece. The underside bears the signature 'Bjorn Wiinblad, 56 [year of production], DANMARK' and artist caricature.
MEASUREMENTS Height c. 4.1" / 10.3 cm (from base to rim) x width c. 2.4" / 6.2 cm (across widest point). Length: c. 5.2" / 13.3 cm (longest point). Base: c. 2" / 5 cm x c. 2.3" / 5.8 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.2 kg / 200 g
NOTES Cruet will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY Bjorn Wiinblad (b. 1918 - d. 2006) Born in 1918 in Copenhagen, Bjorn Wiinblad began his training and path to success in 1935. Wiinblad sought the path to his first passion of art and enrolled in graphic school at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, debuting in 1945 with an extensive exhibition in Palægade, Copenhagen. He met and became firm friends with Jacob E. Bang around this time, who engaged him to work for Nymølle Pottery.
From the beginnings at Nymolle, Wiinblad received multiple commissions, from designing textile and embroidery patterns to drawing posters, books, and magazine illustrations. Wiinblad drew for the United Nations in Paris and designed costumes and stages for several theatrical performances. His fame grew in Denmark but soon would extend to Norway and Sweden and in 1950 his ceramics were exhibited at Bonnier's in New York, which specialised in Scandinavian design.
Wiinblad's recognition and acclaim would continue to grow, bringing him a silver medal at the first international ceramics festival in 1955 in Cannes, France, and appointment as artistic director for Rosenthal in 1960. During the 1960s, Wiinblad would become the owner of a number of ceramic studios including Vaerksted, Nymolle, and Det Blaa Hus. He would make Det Blaa Hus his workshop and home until his death in 2006.
Wiinblad's successes did not stop in the Sixties, his continued achievements and international success were extensively documented and celebrated: https://www.rosendahl.com/en/intl/bjoern-wiinblad/stories/about-bjorn-wiinblad
Fratelli Fanciullacci, Stylised Town Series, Sgraffito on Clay, Gloss and Lava Glaze Décor Vase
Regular price£435.00
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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.
This striking and romantically joyful work of handblown Japanese mid-century art glass is by the glassworks Tajima, who was known to have produced art glass under the label of Best Art Glass.
Elegant and graceful, the curves that shape the 5 lobed 'petals' creates an organic 'unfurling' from the centre. The palette is a striped arrangement of Sakura pink followed by Cobalt blue and Emerald green, handblown into a swirling pattern to create the main featured colouring of the piece. The gem-like tones vary in intensity as they trace every fold and curve of the lobes and finish with an accent of clear glass at the base.
This excellent piece is stylistically timeless making it suitable for standalone display as a centrepiece or functional use.
CONDITION Excellent. There are no chips or cracks, only mild wear on the surface that is commensurable with age. Please refer to the photos as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the base has a concave pontil that is a known finishing touch of Japanese art glass and bears the original label 'Best Art Glass, Foreign' with the 'Foreign' being an indicator of glass imported into the UK during this period.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 8.3" / 21 cm (base to rim) Diameter: c. 5.7" / 14.5 cm (across widest point). Base diameter: c. 2.8" / 7 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 1.3 kg / 1,275 g
NOTES Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items
A BIT OF HISTORY Tajima Glassworks Unfortunately, little is known about Tajima Glass. However, it is known that the glass studio was founded in 1956, in Tokyo, Japan, by Matsutaro Tatsuta. They are known for coloured, textured and often mould-blown or hot-worked art glass. Tajima Glass are still operating today. The quality and style of their work are similar to other Japanese glassworks, rivalling and often mistaken for Italian Murano glass and Czech glass from the same period.
Hjordis Oldfors for Upsala Ekeby, 1958-61 City Series, Duo of Bauhaus Geometric Décor Vase and Dish
Regular price£525.00
Save £-525.00
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."
Lillemor Mannerheim for Gefle Keramik, 1954 Labrynt, Mangania Series Sculptural Flask Vase, Sweden
Regular price£295.00
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This striking and sculptural work of mid-century Swedish Modernistic design is by Lillemor Mannerheim (b. 1927 - d. 1994). Mannerheim was a countess, ceramicist, and illustrator who designed this Labrynt (Labryinth) vase in 1954 for Gefle Keramiks, together with a number of her other well-known series such as Kulisaner, Dixie, Mambo, Singoalla and Pärlor.
This elegant Labrynt vase features Mannerheim's gentle swelling design characteristic which tapers into fluted rim to create the flask form. This form is overlaid with the rich, semi-matte Onyx black glaze called Mangania that was a feature of many of Mannerheim's most popular series. The piece is finished with the hand-glazed gloss swirling in Powdered Lime tone on both sides to further elevate the piece.
The combination of the form, glaze and Modernistic accents gives the overall piece a stylistically timeless presence. And yet the design of this piece is completely suited to the Atomic Design period that it's from, when space exploration and futuristic influences were at the forefront of world news.
CONDITION Excellent. No chips, cracks, or repairs. There is mild use wear, predominantly in the form of movement marks on the underside of the base that is commensurable with the age of the piece. The underside of the base bears 'Gefle' and 'Lillemor' stamp and inscribed with the model number 'M43' and 'Labrynt'.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 11.4" / 29 cm tall (from base to rim) x c. 3.9" / 10 cm diameter (across widest point). Rim measurements: c. 4.6" / 11.7 cm x c. 1.6" / 4 cm. Base Measurements: c. 2" / 5.2 cm x c. 2.2" / 5.7 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.6 kg / 630 g
A BIT OF HISTORY Lillemor Mannerheim (b. 1927 - d. 1994) Ingeborg Aina Sophie Constance "Lillemor" Mannerheim-Klingspor was a countess, a ceramicist and illustrator who began her studies into art and design in 1945, at the end of WWII. Mannerheim began her career at Gefle in 1949, designing a number of popular series such as Kulisaner, Dixie, Labyrint, Mambo, Pärlor, Föl, Solros and Singoalla. She also designed a number of figurines and sculptures during her time at Gefle where she remained until 1957.
Mannerheim spent time studying in Italy and France at the end of the 1950s before taking her career to the next step at Rorstrand in 1960. Her art is represented in a number of museums in France, Sweden and Finland.
Lillemor Mannerheim for Gefle Keramik, Dixie, Mangania Series Sculptural Flask Vase, 1957
Regular price£295.00
Save £-295.00
This striking and sculptural work of mid-century Swedish Modernistic design is by Lillemor Mannerheim (b. 1927 - d. 1994). Mannerheim was a countess, ceramicist, and illustrator who designed this Dixie vase in 1957 for Gefle Keramiks, together with a number of her other well-known series such as Kulisaner, Labyrint, Mambo, Singoalla and Pärlor.
This elegant Dixie vase features Mannerheim's gentle swelling design characteristic which tapers into fluted rim to create the flask form. This form is overlaid with the rich, semi-matte Onyx black glaze called Mangania that was a feature of many of Mannerheim's most popular series. The piece is finished with hand glazed gold angular and linear accents serves to further elevate the piece.
The combination of the form, glaze and Modernistic accents gives the overall piece a stylistically timeless presence. And yet the design of this piece is completely suited to the Atomic Design period that it's from, when space exploration and futuristic influences were at the forefront of world news.
CONDITION Excellent. No chips, cracks, or repairs. There is mild use wear, predominantly in the form of movement marks on the underside of the base that is commensurable with the age of the piece. The underside of the base bears 'Gefle' and 'Lillemor' stamp and inscribed with the model number 'M43'.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 11.4" / 29 cm tall (from base to rim) x c. 3.9" / 10 cm diameter (across widest point). Rim measurements: c. 4.6" / 11.7 cm x c. 1.6" / 4 cm. Base Measurements: c. 2" / 5.2 cm x c. 2.2" / 5.7 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.6 kg / 630 g
A BIT OF HISTORY Lillemor Mannerheim (b. 1927 - d. 1994) Ingeborg Aina Sophie Constance "Lillemor" Mannerheim-Klingspor was a countess, a ceramicist and illustrator who began her studies into art and design in 1945, at the end of WWII. Mannerheim began her career at Gefle in 1949, designing a number of popular series such as Kulisaner, Dixie, Labyrint, Mambo, Pärlor, Föl, Solros and Singoalla. She also designed a number of figurines and sculptures during her time at Gefle where she remained until 1957.
Mannerheim spent time studying in Italy and France at the end of the 1950s before taking her career to the next step at Rorstrand in 1960. Her art is represented in a number of museums in France, Sweden and Finland.
Ingrid Atterberg for Upsala Ekeby, 1957 'Chamotte' Series Sculptural Modernist Centrepiece Bowl
Regular price£795.00
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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 ceramicistcontinued to growover 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.