THE ITEM
This majestic and rare work of Scandinavian Modern design is by celebrated ceramist and designer Ulla Winblad (b. 1933 - d. 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 with the size of the piece lending a monumental presence. The beautifully balanced bottle form 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 glaze that is coloured in a blend of Cinnamon and Cream hues. The contrasting gloss glaze creates a stand-out contrast that is further applied to the interior of the bottle and which 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 or repairs with only light use wear in the form of faint surface scuffs which are commensurable with the age of the piece. Please see photos as they form part of the condition report. The base is inscribed and enamelled with the Alingsas Ceramics mark denoting 'Alingsås Keramik, Handgjort', the form number '910' and Winblad's 'U Winblad' signature.
MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 20.5" / 52 cm tall (from base to rim) x c. 7.3" / 18.5 cm base diameter (max diameter). Rim diameter: c. 3" / 7.6 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 5.9 kg / 5,896 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) b. 1933 - d. 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 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".