Mari Simmulson for Upsala Ekeby, 1956-57 Iris Series, Blue and White Stripe Polka, Wide Brim Vase
Regular price£216.00
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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.
Duif Keramiek Sculptural Globe, Statement Jug Vase in Nutmeg Speckled Stoneware Cream Glaze, 1970s
Regular price£396.00
Save £-396.00
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.
Crown Devon, att. Ditmar Urbach, Art Deco Stylised Stitch Tree Décor Globe Lamp Base, 1920s-30s
Regular price£126.00
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This beautifully stylised work of Art Deco design was made by English pottery Crown Devon. Designed and made during Clarice Cliff's Bizarre era. The stylised tree and landscape verdure décor in this piece echoes that of which appears in Cliff's iconic Orange Roof Cottage series. The décor is further elevated by the addition of the tube-lined and tactile dotted 'stitching'. The origin of design can be attributed to the Czechoslovakian pottery Ditmar Urbach, from which Crown Devon developed its own interpretation.
The subtly striking décor sits against the canvas of the spherical globe form, displaying its timeless style and carrying its c. 85 years of Art Deco history.
CONDITION Very Good. There are 3 negligible chips to the glaze and light use wear to the underside of the base. Mentioned for completeness: there mild crazing all over. The light wear is commensurable with the age of the piece, please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The base bears Crown Devon's stamp and model number 'M206'. Length of cord: c. 70" / 178 cm and is fitted with a British plug. Lamp takes a 'B22' light bulb.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 6.3" / 16 cm (excluding bulb holder) height: c. 9.3" / 23.5 cm (including bulb holder). Diameter: c . 6.3" / 16 cm (across widest point). Base diameter: c. 3" / 7.5 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.9 kg / 945 g
NOTES Lamp will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY Crown Devon Fieldings (1870 - 1982) The pottery was founded in 1870 by Simon Fieldings in Stoke on Trent but it would be 10 years later before they began to produce Majolica style pottery that was popular during the 1880s. Their product range began to expand in the 1890s, working with British United Clock company and they would continue to expand their product range as popularity flourished after successful world trade fairs in the 1900s. They sustained their success for over a century before sadly closing in 1982 at the time of the recession.
This striking and highly-tactile work of Art Deco design is by British company Beswick Pottery. The form of this piece is clean and elegant, following the classic design principles of Art Deco. The simple form is enhanced by the carved décor that is a pattern of stylised spirals, flora and verdure, interlaced with overlapping circular segments, arcs and curves. The refined design is further elevated by Beswick's Satin Matt glaze applied in a manner of techniques, from hand painted to daubed. The radiant palette consists of powdered sherbet tones; including Peach, Turquoise, Lemon Yellow, Sky and Cerulean Blue, Tan and Heather.
This beautiful work is stylistically timeless, contemporary but yet also very Art Deco making this work suitable for standalone display or for functional use.
CONDITION Excellent. No chips, cracks or repairs. There is light use wear on the interior and underside of the base with mild crazing all over that is commensurate with the age of this piece. The underside of the base is inscribed with 'Made in England', model number '116M' and Beswick's back stamp.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 7.1" / 18 cm tall (from rim to base). Diameter: c. 6.7" / 17 cm (across widest point). Depth: c. 6.7" / 17 cm. Rim diameter: c. 4.8" / 12.3 cm. Base diameter: c. 3.1" / 8 cm. Weight: c. 1 kg / 1,020 g
NOTES Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY The Beswick firm was founded around the 1890s by John Beswick in Staffordshire, UK. His son James would take over upon his death, introducing a new range of jugs, bowls and vases decorated with new matt glazes. Responding to the modernist influence in design, many of these highly distinctive shapes were designed by Mr Symcox and decorated in 'satin matt' glazes using soft pastel colours running into each other or arranged in striking modern geometric blocks and lines. Beswick would go on to become known for their ceramic animal figures before being taken over by Royal Doulton in 1969 and finally closing in the early 2000s.
Though it is said these pieces will never be worth thousands, still, there is revived and growing interest in these Art Deco pieces as they survive in very good condition.
Edelstein Bavaria, Mid Century ‘Sunburst Supernova’ Textured Op Art White Porcelain Vase, 1960s-70s
Regular price£56.00
Save £-56.00
This elegant and charming work was designed and produced by Edelstein of Bavaria, Germany. Characteristic to mid-century Op Art or Pop Art design, the décor of this piece is very tactile and is likened to a stylised Sunburst or Supernova. The design is the feature on both sides of the vase, making this a double-faced piece. The form is also abstract to that of a traditional bottle form with the neck taking on mildly exaggerated curves to create a bevelled oval rim.
Stylistically timeless and subtle but yet very much of the Op Art movement, this piece is versatile enough to be displayed as a standalone piece or used functionally.
CONDITION Excellent. There are no chips, cracks or repairs. Mentioned for completeness, there is mild wear of movement marks on the underside of the base and also a spot where the glaze did not completely cover the vase that is not visible when the vase is upright. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the base bears Edelstein's stamp.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 6.8" / 17.3 cm tall (from base to rim). Rim measurements: c. 2.6" / 6.5 cm x c. 1.5" / 3.8 cm. Width: c. 5.9" / 15 cm (across widest point). Depth: c. 2.9" / 7.5 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.6 kg / 555 g
NOTES Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY Edelstein Bavaria was founded by Julius Edelstein in 1919 who right from the start specialised in porcelain tableware and decorative pieces. Edelstein enjoyed great success and by the mid-1920s employed up to 600 people. Sadly and like many other companies of the time, suffered from the world war. Though the company recovered to employing around 400 people during the 1950s, it would only last for another 2 decades until it was finally closed down in the 1970s.
Vallauris France, Chocolate, Cherry and Honeycomb Palette Running Lava Splash Form Dish, 1950s-70s
Regular price£116.00
Save £-116.00
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.
