THE ITEM
This elegantly formed piece bears the curved lines typical to the Art Nouveau period it was created in is by Thure Öberg from Arabia of Finland.
The abstract four-handled urn shape is an interpretation of a classic vase form, with the addition of softly exaggerated natural lines mimicking the natural lines found in plants and flowers that was the core to Art Nouveau design movement.
The beautifully dappled decor is applied to the interior and exterior, and has the colour palette of a subtly lustred copper, slate blue-grey and white. The overall effect created by the decor mimics real marble.
A BIT OF HISTORY
Thure Öberg (b. 1872 - d. 1935) was a Swedish-born ornamental painter, who was appointed as the first artist for Helsinki's Arabia factory around 1895 and remained at the company until his death in 1935. Öberg began his career at the Rörstrand porcelain factory in Sweden, who also owned the Finnish Arabia factories established in the northern part of Helsinki in 1873. In the early years, certain Rorstrand models and decor was undertaken by Arabia. Öberg used many techniques in decorating ceramics, but his favorite was the Danish method of Arnold Krog, in creating patterns of coloured threads under the glaze. Öberg designed the well received collection on behalf of Arabia at the Paris World Expo in 1900, for which he received a gold medal.
CONDITION
Good. No cracks or crazing, there is a degree of wear to the marbled glaze at the rim and underside of the vase and one spot of paint, please refer to photos as part of condition report. The base of the vase is marked with Arabia of Finland's stamp 'AAA, 3, MADE IN FINLAND, 168' that was in use between 1928 - 1932 .
MEASUREMENTS
c. 6.1" / 15.5 cm tall (from base to rim) x c. 6.3" / 16 cm in diameter (across widest points). Rim diameter: c. 3.1" / 8 cm. Base diameter: c. 2.9" / 7.5 cm
Unpackaged weight: c. 0.8 kg / 849 g
NOTES
Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.