THE ITEM
This iconic work of Swedish Art Deco design is by ceramist and designer Ilse Claesson (b. 1907 - d. 1999).
Art Deco was a blend of many different styles that at times, could be regarded as contradictory but was ultimately united by a desire to be modern. From the beginning, Art Deco was influenced by the bold geometric forms of Cubism; the bright colours of Fauvism and of the Ballets Russes; and the exotic styles of China and Japan, India, Persia, ancient Egypt and Maya art.
This particular piece is from Claesson's 'V' series designed in the 1930s and is a superbly balanced half-spherical form that bears a pale mint green base glaze inside and out. Claesson further enhanced the design with the hand painted black decor, an abstract pattern of bands, arches and stylised plant-like cirrus.
CONDITION
Excellent. No chips or cracks, there is mild use wear and crazing all over that is commensurable with age. The underside of the vase base is marked with Rorstrand's mark and Claesson's initials of 'IC'.
MEASUREMENTS
c. 4.7" / 12 cm tall (from base to rim) x c. 9.4" / 24 cm in diameter (across body's widest point). Rim diameter: c. 7.9" / 20 cm. Unpackaged weight c. 1 kg / 935 g
NOTES
Bowl will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY
Ilse Claesson (b. 1907 - d. 1999) was a ceramist and textile artist, born in Lundby, Sweden. Ilse studied at Slöjdföreningen, School of Design and Crafts in Gothenburg from 1923 to 1928, where she gained significant knowledge and enabling her to secure employment at Rörstrand. Claesson would go on to become the designer of Rörstrand's bestsellers of the Blue and White series and the iconic Series V in green and black. In 1930, Claesson attended the Stockholm Exhibition and together with Tyra Lundgren, was invited as an exchange artist to Arabia in Finland.
Rörstrand ( 1726 - present)
Rörstrand was founded in the castle of Rörstrand in Stockholm 1726 by Johann Wolff, a German porcelain maker. This makes Rörstrand the second oldest brand of ceramics in Europe (after Meissen, 1709). Rörstrand initially produced work in faience and the first decors were in cobalt blue, inspired by porcelain from China and other countries abroad. In the 1740s Rörstrand developed its own style and typical Swedish patterns such as the Nordstjärna pattern and the Rehnska pattern.
The manufactory would go from strength to strength with many designers and artists such as Gunnar Nylund, Alf Wallander and Carl-Harry Stålhane creating iconic works for Rörstrand.