Scandinavian Design

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. 

THE ITEM
This exceptional work of mid-century Modernist design is by the renowned ceramic artist and designer Gunnar Nylund, (b.1904 - d.1997). Nylund became well known for his 'matte feldspar' glazed stoneware, crystal glazes and for his stoneware animal sculptures. This piece was designed during his time as artistic director at Rörstrand.

This sculpture is flowing in form, with beautifully sculpted minimalist contours which quietly highlights its muscular feinting posture. The piece is glazed using the matte black on pale green glaze used in Nylunds 'Caolina' series.

Both the form and the glaze of this piece is a rarely seen combination by Nylund, the silky smooth glazed decor and form makes this a very tactile piece. This sculpture would be well suited to a room with decor inspired by Mid Mod, Modernist, Contemporary or even Industrialist themes.

CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks or repairs - please refer to photos as part of the condition report. The base bears the inscribed Rörstrand stamp that bears the inscription of 'Rorstrand' and Nylund's initials 'GN'.  

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 4.5" / 11.5 cm by c. 7.8" / 20 cm in length (from nose to tail) by c. 3.6" / 9.1 cm in width (across body's widest point). Unpackaged weight: 0.8 kg / 845 g

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
Gunnar Nylund (b. 1904 – d.1997) Nylund was a Swedish ceramic designer since the 1930s and is perhaps best known as the artistic director of Rörstrand and was already a well-established ceramic artist in Denmark - first at the Bing & Grøndahl Porcelain factory in Copenhagen and later at Saxbo.

Nylund was resident at Rörstrand from 1931–1955 and for the majority of this time, as artistic director. He became well known for his new matte feldspar glazed stoneware in hare’s fur and crystal glazes and for his stoneware animal sculptures. Over five decades, Nylund crafted some 30 reliefs and sculptures commissioned for public spaces, including Europe’s largest stoneware fountain the “Scanisarius” in Bromölla, Sweden.

Most of Nylund’s original sculptures in stoneware chamotte ended up in museums, as did much of his other work. Sculptures such as the “Lion Head” is found at the National Museum in Stockholm, “Blue Bird” is at the Sèvres museum in Paris, his antelope head “Abyssinian mountain nyala”, is at the Röhsska museet in Gothenburg and the “Hamadryas Baboon” is at the Malmö Museum.

His piece “Bulls head in oxblood” was bought by the Ateneum museum in Helsinki. And a lot of his other work can be found at other museums around the world.

This elegant and charming work of 1930s Art Deco design is by Swedish sculptor and ceramist Maggie Wibom (b.1899 - d.1961).

The gentle exaggeration in the stylised curves of this horse, both in the stance and muscles are recognised characteristics of Wibom's technique. This horse figure, in particular, is known to have been designed and created during the year Wibom was guest designer at Gefle Ceramics. The semi-matte and opaque white glaze has been used to highlight the sculpted and flowing curves of the ceramic, adding an extra dimension of personality and character to the sculpture.

CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks or repairs. There is mild use wear, predominantly in the form of movement marks on the underside of the figure's base and which is commensurable with the age of the piece. The underside of the base bears Wibom's stamp and Wiboms initial's 'MW' are inscribed into one hind leg.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 5.9" / 15 cm tall (from base to rim) x 8.3" / 21 cm in length. Depth: c. 3.9" / 10cm (across widest point). Unpackaged weight: c. 0.7 kg / 722 g

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
Jonny Margareta (Maggie) Wibom (b.1899 - d.1961) was a Swedish ceramist and sculptor. Wibom studied at the Higher Art Industrial School until 1924 and was employed at Boberg's Fajansfabriek in Gävle in 1925. She designed bowls, dishes and pots often with motives in relief. In 1933-1934 she was a guest designer for Gefle Porslinsfabrik with figures and animals in stoneware. In 1936 she started at St. Eriks Lervarufabriker in Uppsala. In 1938, she started her own workshop, Stockholm's Ceramics in Stockholm, which she ran until 1950.

Her work was often composed in ceramic and she created decor such as glazed ceramic tiles with figurative compositions.

In her lifetime, she exhibited her works in a number of art galleries and museums both in Sweden and internationally. Her public works include ceramic decorations for the People's House in Gävle, a wall fountain at the cinema Aveny in Stockholm, and ceramic reliefs and wall tiles for Staffan's church in Gävle.

Other examples of Wibom's work is represented in multiple museums in Sweden such as the National Museum of Stockholm, Gävleborg County Museum, Uppland Museum as well as abroad in Trondheim Museum, Norway and Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

This piece is a beautiful design of Art Deco from the iconic Rubin series by Gefle Upsala Ekeby's renowned artistic director, Arthur Percy.

Percy combined the gentle curves in the form of this piece, the colour and stylised floral gold gilding into a modernised statement of Scandinavian influenced chinoiserie. The design overall, is seamless blend of the luxury, glamour and exuberance of which the Art Deco design movement represented.

CONDITION
Superb. No chips or cracks, there is age-wear present in the form of mild wear to the gold gilding which is commensurable with age of the piece. The base bears the Upsala-Ekeby Gefle stamp, 'Rubin', the numbers '252', '19' and the inscribed initials of 'DP'.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 3.9" / 10 cm tall (from base to rim) x 4.1" / 10.5 cm in diameter (rim). Base diameter: c. 2.4" / 6 cm. Unpackaged weight: 0.3 kg / 345 g

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
Carl Arthur Carlsson-Percy, a ceramist and artist, born in Vickleby on August 10, 1886, son of sailor Nils Petter Carlsson and Johanna (Hanna) Sofia Andersson, married to Kerstin Beckman from 1911.

Percy traveled to Stockholm during the early 20th century to train himself as a decorative painters. In 1905 he went to the school of artistic association and in 1908 he traveled to Paris for studies at Académie Collarossi and Matisse Painting School. He would go on to become artistic director in 1923 at Gefle Porslinsfabrik(which became part of Upsala Ekeby in 1936). In 1942 he became artistic director at Karlskrona Porslinsfabrik until 1946.

His early work was characterised by items with soft decorations of flowers and birds, he was also inspired by Italian 14th and 16th centuries, which was also reflected in his work. During the 1920s, his renowned work includes the series "Gefle", "Vinranka", "Floating Blue", "Iris", "Three Flowers", "Silversties" and "Christina". During the 1930's and 40's came "Suecia", "Exotica" and his perhaps most famous décor "Rubin".

Percys art is represented in a large number of Swedish and foreign museums, including National Museum and Modern Museum, Prince Eugens Waldemarsudde, Art Museum in Gothenburg, and museums in Malmö, Norrköping, Lindköping, Västerås, Borås, Jönköping, Kalmar, Karlstad, Gävle and Östersund, etc. Abroad, one can find his art at the Sévres Museum in Paris, the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Pau, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Metropolian Museum in New York and the Lubeck Museum in Germany and others.

THE ITEM
This richly coloured 9 piece set of Swedish Modern design is by glass designer Lennart Anderssen (b. 1918 - d. 1999) for Gullaskruf glassworks.

The jewel-like colour palette of the set consists of a vibrant Cobalt blue, Ruby red, Ocean green and Grape purple. The form of the bowls is beautifully silhouetted with rounded angles, as is characteristic to Modern design with matching plates that have a gentle inversion and is otherwise smoothly disc-like. Each piece is finished with an accent of dotted reliefs arranged in 3 concentric circles.
This set gives an incredible pop of colours to compliment the dining table.

CONDITION
Superb. No significant damage such as cracks or repairs to the set, the following negligible wear and has been mentioned for completeness:
- Large serving bowl: small chip on the rim measuring c. 0.2 mm.
- Blue plate: very mild scratches.
Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The gold foil Gullaskruf label denoting 'GULLASKRUF, SWEDEN' is present on all pieces except for the small blue bowl.

MEASUREMENTS
- Large Serving Bowl: Height c. 4.8" / 12.2 cm x c. 8" / 20.3 cm width (across widest point). Base diameter c. 2.5" / 6.3 cm.
- Small Bowl: Height c. 2.3" / 5.8 cm x c. 4.2" / 10.6 cm width (across widest point). Base diameter c. 1.8" / 4.5 cm.
- Saucer / Plate: Height c. 0.8" / 2 cm x c. 5.9" / 15 cm diameter (across widest point).
Unpackaged weight [Full Set]: c. 2.3 kg / 2,291 g

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
Gullaskrufs glassworks (1927 - 1983) was a Swedish glassworks founded in Gullaskruv in by William Stenberg, glass production began in 1927. By 1930 Gullaskruf would exhibit their works at the Stockholm exhibition and around the same time, the glassworks came into contact with the foreign market. At that time, exports accounted for 45% of Gullaskruf's production and in addition to the USA and England, glass was exported to Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, Canada, South America, Australia and South Africa.

Over the years, the glassworks would be resident to many great glass designers and artists, some of who became artistic director for Gullaskruf. Designers and artists included: Hugo Gehlin (b. 1889 - d. 1953), Lennart Andersson (b. 1918 - d. 1999), Arthur Percy (b. 1886 - d. 1976) and Kjell Blomberg (b. 1931 - d. 1989).

THE ITEM

Presenting this work of art, of Scandinavian Mid Century design in earthenware by ceramist Johannes Hedegaard. 

The relief is part of a series designed by Hedegaard where the composite raw earthenware, glazed or unglazed, would be contrasted by the brightly coloured and patterned gloss glaze. 

This particular piece is of unglazed earthenware, the figure is subtly rich in details such as strands of hair and facial feature shadows. The patterned gloss glaze decor is a rich blend of auburn and pale blue, delineated with a scalloped Cobalt blue bands.   

A BIT OF HISTORY

Johannes Hedegaard (b. 1915 - d. 1999) was a Danish ceramist and sculptor. He was trained as sculptor at the Royal Copenhagen Factory and the Academy of fine art in Copenhagen 1930-1935. Assigned with Royal Copenhagen from 1948-1966. His work is exhibited at the Lunds Museum, Sweden; Chicago, USA and several Danish Museums.

Aluminia was a Danish factory of faience or earthenware pottery, established in Copenhagen in 1863. In 1882, the owners of Aluminia purchased the Royal Copenhagen porcelain factory. The factories were operated independently under their respective trade names until 1969, when the use of the Aluminia name was ended.

CONDITION

Excellent. There are no chips, cracks or scratches or crazing in the glaze as might be expected from a piece of this age. The back of the ceramic has the appropriate openings for fixing to the wall. There is also the Royal Copenhagen Aluminia 'BA, Denmark' mark, Hedegaard's signature and the numbering of '160/2798' pieces. 

MEASUREMENTS

c. 12.8" /  32.5 cm tall (from base to rim) x 10" /  25.5 cm in width. 

Unpackaged weight:  1.6 kg / 1,638 g

NOTES

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

THE ITEM
The 'Kluk Kluk' carafe has become a well-recognised design for Kastrup and Holmegaard glass, it is said that it became known as the Kluk Kluk or 'Cluck Cluck' decanter due to the distinctive sound made when pouring. Just as Gaudi was infamous for creating his designs to become as fitting to the human form as possible, this decanter was designed with a 'pinched waist', making it easy to maintain a grip when in use.

The quality of the glass is evident throughout the lithe yet sturdy form.

CONDITION

Excellent, no damage or evidence of use, there is light wear (such as movement marks on the base of the decanter) which is commensurable with age. Please see photos as part of the condition report.

MEASUREMENTS 
Per decanter: Height: c. 8.1" / 20.5 cm tall (without stopper) and c. 9.4" / 24 cm tall (with stopper)
Per decanter: Width: 3.3" / 8.5 cm wide (across the base)

Unpackaged weight (both decanters): c. 1.2 kg / 1,228 g

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

A BIT OF HISTORY

Holmegaard was founded in 1823 after Count Christian Danneskjold-Samsøe petitioned the Danish king for permission to build a glassworks. He died before permission was granted. However, when permission was finally received in 1825, his widow Countess Henriette Danneskjold-Samsøe pursued the project and began production. Much of Holmegaards early work was regarded as derivative and inconsequential, but between the 1930s and 1980s, it was transformed by the designs of Jacob E. Bang (1899-1965), Per Lütken (1916-98), and Bang's son, Michael (1944-2002). Today the company is known for its high-quality products of Danish design.

Jacob E Bang (1899 - 1965) is known as Denmark’s first industrial designer and the creator of functionalism in Danish glass. Graduating from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in 1921 as an architect, he began his career Kay Fisker’s design studio.

Jacob E. Bang’s glass design, which was popular and virtuosic, achieved great recognition and popularity, and today many of his works have become style icons and collectables. He believed his designs should be beautiful, strong and practical.

Bang was one of the few Danish designers of the time and won several medals at world exhibitions; Barcelona in 1929, Brussels in 1935, Paris in 1937 and New York 1939. From 1957-65, he was the artistic director of Kastrup Glassworks.

This elegant trio of handblown Swedish art glass miniatures is by three of Kosta Boda's famously celebrated glass artists: Bertil Vallien, Ulrica Hyd-Vallien and Monika (Monica) Backstrom.

In this trio:
- The charming white frit glass and hand-painted bowl is by Ulrica Hyd-Vallien from her 1979 series 'Butterfly'.
- The white frit glass, abstract flask-form vase, with delicate and tactile netted surface pattern is by Bertil Vallien from his 1978 series 'Network'.
- The elegant abstract bottle vase in tactile grey scavo and smooth, clear crystal casing is by Monika Backstrom attributed to her 1989 series Sunny. This piece is trimmed in Cerulean blue as opposed to the usual Scarlet red.

Both the Butterfly bowl and Network vase is from The Artist Collection, a concept was introduced by Vallien to give glass artists the freedom for personal, creative expression and to remove the 'mass produced' feeling. The final piece is from Kosta Boda Atelier collections. Whether pieces were created as part of The Artist Collection or Atelier, they 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 unique.

Those familiar with the process of hand-blowing or hot working glass will know that glass needs to reach 1,320 °C (2,400 °F) to melt and even the working temperature is 1,090 °C (2,000 °F). This knowledge alone is enough to appreciate the care, effort and skill required to create these miniature works of art glass.

CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks or repairs, please see photos as they form part of the condition report.
- Network White Flask - piece is inscribed with "BODA, ARTIST COL, B VALLIEN, 48012"
- Sunny Grey Bottle - piece is bears label with "KOSTA BODA SWEDEN, ATELIER BY MONIKA BACKSTROM"
- Butterfly White Bowl - piece is signed with "Ulrica H.V" and further inscribed with "Boda, Artist Col. 58236"

MEASUREMENTS
- Network White Flask: Height: c. 3.8" / 9.7 cm x c. 0.8" / 2 cm rim diameter. Base measurements: c. 2" / 5 cm x c. 1" / 2.5 cm.
- Sunny Grey Bottle : Height: c. 3.3" / 8.3 cm x c. 0.7" / 1.7 cm rim diameter. Diameter: c. 1.6" / 4 cm. Base diameter: c. 0.8" / 2 cm.
- Butterfly White Bowl: Height: c. " / 4.7 cm x c. " / cm rim diameter. Diameter: c. 2.4" / 6.2 cm. Base diameter: c. 1" / 2.6 cm.

Unpackaged weight [all pieces]: c. 0.2 kg / 230 g

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
Kosta Boda, Sweden’s oldest glass company, was founded as 'Kosta' in 1742 and began making art glass — that is, unique and limited edition pieces — with the hiring of the painter Gunnar Wennerberg in 1898. Kosta has a strong history for many well-known glass artists such as Ewald Dahlskog, Vicke Lindstrand, Erik Höglund, Bertil Vallien and many many more.

Kosta Boda was formed in 1976 when the merger of Kosta, Boda and Åfors glass communities took place. Kosta Boda enjoys a reputation as Sweden's most artistic and experimental glassworks, featuring artists and sculptors.

 

This elegantly ethereal duo of handblown Swedish art glass miniatures is by Bertil Vallien, (b. 1938 - ), internationally celebrated Swedish glass artist, sculptor, ceramist, and designer for Kosta Boda, one of Sweden's leading glassworks.

Those familiar with the process of hand-blowing or hot working glass will know that glass needs to reach 1,320 °C (2,400 °F) to melt and even the working temperature is 1,090 °C (2,000 °F). This knowledge helps to appreciate the care, effort, and skill required to create these miniature works of art glass.

The blue pipe vase bearing the signature winding stripes is from Vallien's Rainbow series, designed in the 1980s. However, it is created in the uncommon and translucent Pale Powdered blue with traces of a golden-sand toned frit glass interwoven into the body.

The lidded pot is even more unusual and has not been attributable to a series, though it is a Vallien signed piece with its original label intact. The body and lid are also in an airy, Pale Powdered blue tone, very similar to the tone used in Vallien's Starlight series. The piece is finished with a clear curl finial on the lid.

Both pieces carry labels that display the parent company of Kosta Boda AB, this name came into use in 1976 before changing to Orrefors Kosta Boda AB in 1989.

CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks, or repairs, please see photos as they form part of the condition report.
- Blue Rainbow Vase - the piece is inscribed with "BODA, ARTIST COL, B VALLIEN, 48282"
- Starlight Blue Lidded pot - the piece is inscribed with "Kosta Boda, B Vallien"

MEASUREMENTS
- Blue Rainbow Vase: Height: c. 2.5" / 6.3 cm x c. 1.8" / 4.6 cm rim diameter. Base diameter: c. 1.3" / 3.2 cm.
- Starlight Blue Lidded pot: Height: c. 4.1" / 10.5 cm (including lid). Diameter: c. 2.3" / 5.9 cm.
Unpackaged weight [all pieces]: c. 0.2 kg / 225 g

NOTES
Duo 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. 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 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 well-known Ringo series, there are eighteen works of earthenware bowls and vases that were designed in 1965. The series is characterised by the delightfully textured Chocolate Cookies unglazed earthenware body that is overlaid with the Dark Chocolate striped bands of semi matte glaze. The silky Dark Chocolate glaze is also beautifully featured on the neck, shoulders and underside of the vase, juxtaposing the earthenware. This particular piece is finished with a circle of semi-matte Pale Lemon dots, an iconic accent to the series. The form of this piece and of the series is undeniably Modernist in design, highlighting the seamless harmony of function, form and the raw materials. 

CONDITION
Excellent - there are no chips, cracks or repairs. There is age commensurate wear in the form of faint movement marks on the underside of the base. The underside of the base is inscribed with Upsala Ekebys 'UE Sweden' and Simmulson's 'ms' monogram as well as the model number '5059M'.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 5,1" / 13 cm tall (from base to rim). Rim measurements: c. 2.6" / 6.7 cm. Diameter: c. 4.3" / 11 cm (across widest point). Base measurements: c. 3.5" / 8.8 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.6 kg / 615 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 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-thrown and hand-glazed work comes from Oldfors popular Kokos series, for which there are ten works of earthenware bowls and vases designed in 1954. 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 the raw materials

CONDITION
Excellent - there are no chips, cracks or repairs. There is mild and age-commensurate wear to the body and faint movement marks on the underside of the base. The underside of the base is inscribed with Upsala Ekebys 'UE' and Oldfors 'HJ' monogram and the model number '5080'.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 5.5" / 14 cm tall (from base to rim). Rim measurements: c. 4.3" / 11 cm x c. 2.8" / 7 cm. Diameter: c. 5.7" / 14.6 cm (across widest point). Base measurements: c. 1.9" / 4.7 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.8 kg / 795 g

NOTES
Vase 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 work of beautifully understated elegance is of Scandinavian mid-century design and by Upsala Ekeby's renowned artistic director, Arthur Percy (b.1886 - d. 1976). In this piece, Percy combines the gentle curves of the classic bottle flask form with a touch-inviting décor. The décor is built on a base of semi-matte clear glaze that highlights the natural Pale Buttermilk cream clay, this is then overlaid with a tessellation of tactile smooth and glossy Daisy white dots of glaze. The piece is finished with a striking contrast of semi-matte Natural Indigo blue on the interior of the vase. 

The overall design is a seamless blend of simple sophistication, elevated elegance and Swedish mid century Modernist design.

CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks or repairs. There are negligible movement marks to the underside of the base that is commensurate with the age of the piece as well as trivial flaws from the production process (e.g. a small number of white dots have picked up spots of the indigo pigment). The underside also Upsala-Ekeby stamp with the numbers '5062' and 'PERCY' as well as the inscribed initials of 'YW'. 

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 6.9" / 17.5 cm tall (from base to rim). Rim diameter: c. 1.2" / 3 cm. Body diameter: c. 4.1" / 10.5 cm (across widest point). Base diameter: c. 1.8" / 4.6 cm. Unpackaged weight: 0.3 kg / 300 g

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
Carl Arthur Carlsson-Percy (b.1886 - d. 1976), a leading Swedish ceramist, artist and artistic director, born in Vickleby in 1886. During his early career, Percy travelled to Stockholm and Paris to develop his skills and techniques as a decorative painter, attending schools such as the Académie Collarossi and Matisse Painting School.

He would go on to become artistic director in 1923 at Gefle Porslinsfabrik (which became part of Upsala Ekeby in 1936) and in 1942 he became artistic director at Karlskrona Porslinsfabrik. His early work is characterised by items with soft decorations of flowers and birds and Italian 14th and 16th century inspiration.

During the 1920s, his renowned work includes the series "Gefle", "Vinranka", "Floating Blue", "Iris", "Three Flowers", "Silversties" and "Christina". During the 1930's and 40's came "Suecia", "Exotica" and his perhaps most famous décor "Rubin".

Percys art is represented in a large number of Swedish and foreign museums, including National Museum and Modern Museum, Prince Eugens Waldemarsudde, Art Museum in Gothenburg, and museums in Malmö, Norrköping, Lindköping, Västerås, Borås, Jönköping, Kalmar, Karlstad, Gävle and Östersund, etc. Abroad, one can find his art at the Sévres Museum in Paris, the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Pau, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Metropolian Museum in New York and the Lubeck Museum in Germany and others.

This stunning, handblown work of Swedish Modernist design art glass is by Vicke Lindstrand (b. 1904 - d. 1983), who was considered as one of the most influential 20th-century glass artists and a pioneer of glass art. This particular piece comes from a series of 5 objects designed by Lindstrand between 1955-1956 for Kosta (Boda) glassworks. Similar to Wirkkala's Kantarelli (Chantarelle) series that was released around the same time, Lindstrand's series focuses on the gentle exaggeration and stylisation of organic curves and stripes. But whilst Wirkkala chose to create physically grooved stripes on his works, Lindstrand chose to embed feathering threads of Deep Espresso into the body of his series. 

These beautiful threads are in fact individual and separate but the prismatic quality that is typically found in Swedish crystal magnifies the bands to create a rolling effect in the stem. This magnificent piece stays true to the roots of Modernist design through the beautiful simplicity of form that speaks to an honest expression of the natural material.

CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks or repair. There is negligible surface wear and movement marks on the underside of the base that is commensurable with the age of the piece. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the base is signed with Lindstrand's initials and model number "LH1210" and further impressed with Lindstrand's acid edged stamp. 

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 7.2" / 18.3 cm tall (from base to rim) x c. 6.5" / 16.5 cm in width (across widest point). Base measurements: 2.4" / 6.1 cm. Unpackaged weight: 1.2 kg / 1,185 g

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
Vicke Lindstrand (b. 1904 - d. 1983) is considered as one of the most influential 20th-century glass artists and a pioneer of glass art. Lindstrand's prolific career included many design highlights, including his ability to excel at a technique called Cased Glass (known to many glass collectors as 'Sommerso'), in which a vividly coloured or patterned section of glass is surrounded by and seems to float within a clear crystal body.

Lindstrand's career began in commercial illustration before finding employment at the glass manufactory Orrefors. He would join Kosta Boda in 1950, remaining there until 1973. Beyond his commercial work, he also produced several massive public sculptures around the world. Today, his works are in many museum collections, such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, and The Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Kosta Boda is Sweden’s oldest glass company, founded in 1742 and began making art glass — that is, unique and limited edition pieces — with the hiring of the painter Gunnar Wennerberg in 1898. Kosta Boda enjoys a reputation as the country’s most artistic and experimental glassworks, featuring artists and sculptors.

There are few Kosta Boda designers who stand foremost in the minds of collectors, one is Vicke Lindstrand, who excelled at a technique of 'Sommerso', or cased glass.

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 delicious handblown work of Post Modern art glass is by leading Swedish glass artist Kjell Engman (b. 1946 -), accoladed with the name 'Glass Wizard' for his unlimited imagination with art glass.

This piece is from the popular series named Bon Bon, designed by Engman in 1989. It's easy to see why this series was named Bon Bon, with the candy-coloured pieces ranging from pairing Lavender lilac with Lemon yellow to Marmalade orange with Sky blue.

The central part of this particular piece is spheroid shaped, beautifully curved, and toned in a Candied Sapphire blue. Fused into the spheroid is the pitcher stem in striped tones of Coquelicot and Coral orange, the mergng between the two colours is finished with light sand texture. This work is further accented with an organically shaped Lemon yellow handle and finished with a disc of clear glass for the base.

The overall composition of this work is of great harmony, demonstrated in the stunning blending of colour with form and size, makes this a statement piece.

CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks, or repair. 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 they form part of the condition report. The underside of the base is signed, denoting 'Kosta Boda, K Engman, 89066'

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 14" / 36 cm tall (from base to rim) x c. 8.1" / 20.5 cm in width (across widest point). Depth: c. 3.7" / 9.5 cm. Rim: c. 2.3" / 5.8 cm. Base: c. 3.9" / 10 cm. Unpackaged weight: 1.9 kg / 1,880 g

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

 

A BIT OF HISTORY
Kjell Engman (b. 1946 -), accoladed with the name 'Glass Wizard' for his unlimited imagination with art glass and known for being one of ten highly talented artists. Since joining Kosta Boda in 1978, Engman has designed a number of iconic series, drawing inspiration from diverse sources such as the animal kingdom, the world of music and entertainment.

Engman's style is distinctive and immediately recognisable. Common characteristics to his work include being bold, bright and colourful, ranging from the playful to the delicate to the sensuous. It could almost be described as Dali-esque and does not conform to preconceptions of simple, minimalist Swedish design.

Engman has often been commissioned at home in Sweden and abroad, designing works for public display and even famous pieces such as the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest trophy. Engman's latest works and installations can be found at his dedicated website: http://www.kjellengman.com/

This viviacious work of Swedish Modernist design is the 'Igelkott' ('Hedgehog') vase that comes from the larger 'Chamott' (Chamotte) series designed between 1936 to 1948. The series was designed by the celebrated Swedish ceramicist and designer Gunnar Nylund (b.1904 - d.1997) for Rörstrand.

The vases were made in 5 colours (Emerald, Topaz, (Mustard), Turquoise, White, and Yellow) with 3 different forms to the vases. This Topaz piece comes from the 'Al' form and is the medium size of the 3 available sizes at 16 cm in height (small 12cm, medium 16cm, large 21cm). Nylund became well known for his Chamotte sculptures, designing the series during his time as artistic director at Rörstrand.

Handworked, the rugged yet polished décor makes this an exceptionally tactile piece and the highly textured surface with the glossily glazed décor is a fabulous juxtaposition. Stylistically timeless and contemporary, this work is an outstanding example of Scandinavian mid-century Modern design. 

CONDITION
Very Good. There is light use wear to the underside of the base and the glaze décor that is commensurable with the age of the piece. The underside is stamp-inscribed with "Rorstrand, Sverige, Chamotte, Nylund". 

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 6.3" / 16 cm (from base to rim). Width: c. 4.9" / 12.5 cm (across widest point). Rim diameter: c. 2" / 5 cm. Base diameter: c. 2.4" / 6.2 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 1.4 kg / 1,350 g

A BIT OF HISTORY
Gunnar Nylund (b. 1904 – d.1997) Nylund was a Swedish ceramic designer since the 1930s and is perhaps best known as the artistic director of Rörstrand and was already a well-established ceramic artist in Denmark - first at the Bing & Grøndahl Porcelain factory in Copenhagen and later at Saxbo.

Nylund was resident at Rörstrand from 1931–1955 and for the majority of this time, as artistic director. He became well known for his new matte feldspar glazed stoneware in hare’s fur and crystal glazes and for his stoneware animal sculptures. Over five decades, Nylund crafted some 30 reliefs and sculptures commissioned for public spaces, including Europe’s largest stoneware fountain the “Scanisarius” in Bromölla, Sweden.

Most of Nylund’s original sculptures in stoneware chamotte ended up in museums, as did much of his other work. Sculptures such as the “Lion Head” is found at the National Museum in Stockholm, “Blue Bird” is at the Sèvres museum in Paris, his antelope head “Abyssinian mountain nyala”, is at the Röhsska museet in Gothenburg and the “Hamadryas Baboon” is at the Malmö Museum.

His piece “Bulls head in oxblood” was bought by the Ateneum museum in Helsinki. And a lot of his other work can be found at other museums around the world.

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 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. 

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 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 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 sleek work of Scandinavian Modern art glass is by Vicke Lindstrand (b. 1904 - d. 1983). Lindstrand is considered one of the most influential 20th-century glass artists and a glass art pioneer. His prolific career held many design highlights, including his ability to excel at a technique called Sommerso in which a vividly coloured or patterned section of glass is surrounded by and seemingly floats within a clear crystal body.

This particular piece comes from the Colora series, named after the technique pioneered by Lindstrand. The technique applied to this piece involved carefully layering the Cobalt, Lapis coloured glass, reheating and manipulating the layered glass to form the final shape before encasing it in the clear, crystal casing and magnifying the underlying pattern. The piece is finished with a bevelled around the rim and base, giving the effect of a polished gem.

The design of this work embodies the tenets of simplicity, minimalism and functionality influences of the Scandinavian Modern design movement. 

CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks, or repairs. There is negligible surface wear and movement marks on the underside of the base that are commensurable with the age of the piece - please see photos as part of the condition report. The underside of the base is signed with the inscription 'Kosta' and the model number: '06085'

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 6.6" / 16.7 cm (from base to rim) x c. 3.4" / 8.6 cm in diameter (across widest point). Base measurements: c. 3.4" / 8.6 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 1.5 kg / 1,500 g

A BIT OF HISTORY
This sleek work of Scandinavian Modern art glass is by Vicke Lindstrand (b. 1904 - d. 1983). Lindstrand is considered one of the most influential 20th-century glass artists and a glass art pioneer. Lindstrand, together with his peer Edvin Öhström, pioneered a new glass-colouring process called the Ariel technique.

Lindstrand's prolific career began in commercial illustration before finding employment at the glass manufactory Orrefors. He would join Kosta Boda 1950, remaining there until 1973. Beyond his commercial work, he also produced several massive public sculptures around the world. Today, his works are in many museum collections, such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, and The Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Kosta Boda, Sweden’s oldest glass company, was founded in 1742 and would only begin making art glass — that is, unique and limited edition pieces — with the hiring of the painter Gunnar Wennerberg in 1898. Kosta Boda enjoys a reputation as the country’s most artistic and experimental glassworks, featuring artists and sculptors.
Two post-war Kosta Boda designers stand foremost in the minds of collectors, one is Vicke Lindstrand, who excelled at a technique of 'Sommerso', or cased glass. The other is Erik Höglund, who had an almost artisanal eye for glass shapes, and liked to produce glass that had a textured, warped look.

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 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 hand-built and exquisitely illustrated work is by celebrated Danish illustrator and glass, silver, textiles, ceramics designer Bjorn Wiinblad (b. 1918 - d. 2006). We know that this piece was personally handled by Wiinblad as it is signed with both Wiinblad's signature and his artist caricuture icon. Per the dating of the piece, it is attributed to have been made for Wiinblad's very first ceramic workshop 'Værksted' in Copenhagen Denmark. 

The carefully crafted form of this piece is that of a centaur and from the botanical adornments, a dryad sits astride the centaurs back. Highly romantic, Wiinblad applied his exceptional creativity and imagination to both the tactile as well as the expressive line details all over both figures.

From the mildly rounded eyes to the raised leaf crowns and prominent centaur horns, attention is given right down to the pink tipped beak, crested head and tail of the small bird held between the hands of the two figures.

Handpainted onto the form is the slate-grey, blue design with complimented beautifully by intricate detailing of tiny pink rosettes, tendrils, and leaf detail. 

Stylistically timeless, the combination of the design and exceptional condition of this piece as well as Wiinblad's full signature with the 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, 59 [year of production], 363 [design number], DANMARK' and artist caricature.

MEASUREMENTS
Height c. 11.4" / 29 cm (from base to rim) x width c. 4.9" / 12.5 cm (across widest point). Length: c. 8.9" / 22.5 cm (longest point). Unpackaged weight: c. 1.3 kg / 1,255 g

 

NOTES
Sculpture 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.