THE ITEM
This exceptionally elegant and charming piece was designed in the 1950s by celebrated Danish illustrator and glass, silver, ceramics designer Bjorn Wiinblad (b. 1918 - d. 2006). Wiinblad often designed for a number of big names as well as pottery studios he owned, such as Nymolle and Det Blaa Hus. The monogram signature of this piece attributes it to Det Blaa Hus [The Blue House], which Wiinblad took over in 1966 and made his home as well as workshop until his death in 2006.
It is said that Wiinblad was inspired by his maternal aunt Ella when he designed this piece and the Moster Ella ('Aunt Ella') series it came from. Those familiar with Wiinblads illustrative work will be familiar with the exquisite level of detail his imagination goes to. This richness of detail is brought to life across many elements of this sculpture; such as the individually shaped and painted leaves and flowers which are threaded into the figure's high hair, gathered in the arm and held in the woven flower basket. Further careful attention is evident in the resplendent marbled trim adorning the cape, the intricate patterns decorating the dress and the care taken in illustrating the freckles and eyelashes of the facial features.
CONDITION
Excellent. There are no chips, cracks or repairs, there is the mildest use wear in the form of movement marks on the underside of the base that is commensurate with the age of the piece. Mentioned for completeness: there are sporadic and minor spots of the base ceramic can be seen, however, this is from the crafting process and not damage or defect. Please refer to photographs as they form part of the condition report. The interior of the piece bears identifying marks of: Wiinblad's monogram of 'BW', the stylised model number of 'M18', dated with '76' and finally, denoted with 'DANMARK'.
MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 10.4" / 26.5 cm tall (from base to tallest point) x 4.1" / 10.5 cm width (across widest point). Depth: c. 6.5" / 16.5 cm (from front to back). Unpackaged weight: c. 0.9 kg / 866 g
NOTES
Sculpture will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY
Bjorn Wiinblad was born in 1918 in Copenhagen to Otto and Ebba Wiinblad and it would1935 until he began his training, he would go on to graduate five years later in 1940.
Once graduated, Wiinblad sought the path to his first passion of art and enrolled in graphic school at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts. In1943, fellow student Lars Syberg would invite him to his ceramics workshop and Wiinblad would find his first creative outlet. In 1945, Wiinblad debuted with an extensive exhibition in Palægade in Copenhagen with a collection of ceramics, drawings and posters. Wiinblad would become firm friends Jacob E. Bang around this time, who engaged him to work for Nymølle.
From the beginnings at Nymolle, Wiinblad received multiple commissions, from designing textile and embroidery patterns for the Håndværkdets Fremme to drawing posters, book and magazine illustrations. Wiinblad drew for the United Nations in Paris as well as costume and stage design for several theatrical performances. His fame grew at home in Denmark but soon it would extend to Norway and Sweden and in 1950 his ceramics were exhibited at Bonnier's in New York, which specialised in Scandinavian design.
Wiinblad's recognition and acclaim would continue to grow, bringing him a silver medal at the first international ceramics festival in 1955 in Cannes, France and appointment as artistic director for Rosenthal in 1960. Wiinblad's successes, however, would not stop there, his continued achievements have been extensively documented and celebrated on the dedicated website: https://www.bjornwiinblad-denmark.dk/om-bjoern-wiinblad