THE ITEM
This simply formed yet elegant work of Swedish Modernist design is by ceramist and designer Ulla Winblad (1933-1992)
True to the roots of Modernist design, the simplicity in the form of this vase speaks to an honest expression of the natural material. The abstract bottle form is evenly balanced and finished with a severe flat rim, giving centre stage to the rich, matte textured, dark-chocolate hued earthenware clay.
The surface decor is an encircling abstract pattern, softly geometric and deeply incised, a further display of the clean and sleek delineation of the Modernist influence. Within the incised pattern is a glossy enamelling in a blend of cinnamon and cream hues, creating standout contrast and is further applied to the interior of the bottle, shows at the rim as a finishing accent.
This enamelling work was a signature characteristic of the Alingsas Pottery and was what the pottery began production with when it was founded in the late 1940s.
CONDITION
Excellent vintage condition. There are no chips or cracks, there is light use wear in the form of faint surface scuffs that is commensurable with the age of the piece - please see photos as part of condition report. The base is inscribed and enamelled with the Alingsas Ceramics mark denoting 'Alingsås Keramik, Handgjort', the form number '945' and Winblad's 'U Winblad' signature.
MEASUREMENTS
c. 6.9" / 17.5 cm tall (from base to rim) x c. 3.9" / 10 cm base diameter. Rim diameter: c. 1.4" / 3.5 cm
Unpackaged weight: c. 0.7 kg / 679 g
NOTES
Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY
Ulla Winblad (-Hjelmqvist) 1933-1992
Ulla was a ceramist and designer, born in Helsingborg. Ulla first got an internship and education at Jie Johnson in Gantofta before she started her ceramic education at Slöjdföreningens Skola in Gothenburg. In 1958, Ulla was employed as an Artistic Director at Alingsås Ceramics and among other things, was responsible for 50 employees. She would continue in until her departure in 1966 where she moved to Seattle, USA.
In Seattle, Ulla opens her own ceramic studio where she produced some of her most famous and popular works. In 1982, Ulla received a visit from King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden who purchased a dinnerware set from her, some years later, Princess Lilian would also visit. Ulla was more appreciated in the US than in Sweden and the Nordic Heritage Museum in Seattle purchase of a large collection of her ceramics for permanent display brought great validation to this.
Ulla exhibited in Zagreb, at the International Academy of Ceramics in the US, as well as at the North West Craft Center and at local galleries. Ulla died tragically of breast cancer on October 18, 1992, only a few days before she was 59 years old. At her own request, she was buried anonymously, without a memorial service.
Her earlier works at Alingsås Ceramics were signed "U Winblad" together with factory signing Alingsås. Items made in the US were signed "Winblad-Hjelmqvist".
Alingsås Ceramics 1947-1985
Alingsås ceramics was founded in the district of Holmalund Alingsås in 1947 by Halvard Oldberg (1917-1966) and Hilding Carnemark. Initially, it was mainly enamel work and a limited ceramics that was crafted under the name of "Emaljstudion". By the early 1950s, more focus on ceramics production took off with significant exports being made to the US and other countries. In the following decades until its ceasing of operations, the factory would continue with its signature ceramic and enamel work. Sadly, after a series of struggles with artistic management such as the death of Oldberg in 1966, the departure of Ulla Winblad in 1967 and Heinz Preissler in 1968, the company would eventually cease operations in 1985.