Contemporary

This delicious work of Swedish Mid Century Modern design is by Mari Simmulson (b. 1911- d. 2000) for Upsala Ekeby. Simmulson was a celebrated Swedish ceramics designer and ceramicist, known for many series she designed at Upsala Ekeby which went on to become classics. This hand-thrown and hand-glazed work comes from Simmulson's Iris series, these earthenware works were designed around 1956 to 1957. The series is characterised by the delightfully organic blue and white stripes that are edged with Vanilla cream dots. There is firm delineation between the stripes and dots combined with the glossy glaze gives this piece a very touchable, tactile quality. The combination of the organic lines in black, the 'sprinkled' blue and pink speckled white glaze that is highlighted by the cheerful cream dots makes brings a joyful vibe to the overall piece.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

True to the roots of Modernist design, the simple form and boldly geometric décor of this vase speaks to an honest expression of the natural earthenware. The texture of the earthenware is very tactile, with sections left deliberately coarse and unglazed. The unglazed sections create confident contrast against the individually glazed sections of boldly geometric, Sgraffito décor.

The vase is finished with an interior of gloss glaze that is coloured in a Spearmint green towards the neck and a softer cream towards the base.

CONDITION
Superb. No cracks or repairs. There are minor, negligible chips on the exterior which are commensurate with the age of the piece and mild use wear on the interior. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the base of the vase is stamped with 'Tilgmans Keramik' and 'Made in Sweden' stamp and model number '606'. The body of the vase is inscribed with Zawadzki's 'M' logo and dated with '1966'.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 14.7" / 37.3 cm tall (from base to rim) x 5.9" / 15 cm rim and base diameter. Unpackaged weight: c. 3.1 kg / 3,120 g .

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
Marian Zawadzki (b. 1912 - d. 1978)
Antoni Marian Zawadzki (sometimes known as 'Zawadski' or 'Zawadsky') was an associate professor, artist and ceramist, was born in Poland in 1912 who, as a refugee, moved to Gothenburg in Sweden in 1953. In Gothenburg he worked as an artistic director at Tilgmans Keramik. Zawadzki's best known for his richly decorated objects in the Sgraffito technique.

His works included lamp bases, vases, bowls, urns and wall plates and he would receive commissions for public, municipal and private buildings. Zawadzki would leave Tilgman's Ceramics in 1970, moving to Vallda outside Kungsbacka where he opened his own workshop, Vallda Keramik. The production in his own workshop is very similar to his work at Tilgmans.

This stylised work of British art pottery piece is of English late-Art Deco design from the 1930s and is by the pottery Empire Ware.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The original companies were:

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

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

This stunning handbuilt Contemporary work of Studio Pottery brings with it sharp vibes of Brutalist and Modernist design influences, with the overall composition reminiscent of Troika Pottery pieces.

The form of this piece is that of a stylised Slab (rectangular) Flask or Bottle with each surface bearing careful detail and a variety of techniques. The two 'faces' of the vase is glazed with a smooth, off-white tone which serves as an excellent canvas for the central textured reliefs.

On one side, the tactile relief is an attentive interweaving of contrasting spiked rows and punctures. The gloss glaze palette of the relief is encircled in a tone of Deep Royal blue that is also expertly blended with tones Powder white, Mocha, Demerara and Chocolate brown. This gentle blending creates a glaze effect often found in Fat Lava pottery and is further complimented with an abstract check pattern in the Deep Royal blue. The second relief feature is defined with raised geometric rows which have been irregularly punctured. The palette of this side is similarly encircled in Deep Royal blue and presents a blending of Powder white, Mocha, Demerara and Chocolate brown but also prominent strokes of Steel and Pale blue.

The piece is finished with a matte glaze of Dark and Tan brown that displays a tightly etched tree bark-like texture.

CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, damage or repairs. There is very mild use wear that is most evident in movement marks on the underside of the base, please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. One side of the vase bears the potters mark and the underside of the vase is marked with 'Web' and dated '93'.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 7.8" / 20 cm x Width: c. 4.9" / 12.5cm (across widest point). Depth c. 2.2" / 5.6 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 1.2 kg / 1,205 g

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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