This is a collectable piece of vintage Danish ceramic design. It comes from my own collection and I bought it at Bonhams in Edinburgh over 20 years ago. I have always treasured it and has been looked after well - so in fabulous, damage free condition.
This beautiful stoneware jug was designed in 1938, as annotated on the base, by Bode Willumsen. The ceramic is signed with the artist's initials on the base. It has a wonderful and more unusual ox-blood red glaze. I love the shape of this decorative picther. The handle is a lovely sweeping shape and it built in to the flared rim and runs down to the main body section at the back. It is very organic in shape and form - it reminds me of ceramic shapes used by Picasso.
The front of the jug is slightly flattened and has a raised image of a muscled warrior holding a sword - and wrestly a serpent which is seen below his feet. I think that this illustrates an episode from Norse mythology - where the God of Thunder, Thor wrestles Jormungandr (the Midgard Serpent or World Serpent). The snake is so large that he is able to encircle the earth and bite his own tail.
Dimensions: The height is 6 1/4 inches. The diameter of the circular foot on the base is 2 2/4 inches. The width of the pitcher at the widest point is 3 3/4 inches. The rim is 4 x 3 3/4 inches. From the front of the rim to end of the handle is 6 1/4 inches.
My price reflects the museum quality of this Danish ceramic, the rarer red glaze and its fine condition. This items are much sought after and do not come up for sale that often.
BIOGRAPHY: Bode Willumsen (1895–1987) was a Danish ceramist known for his distinctive stoneware and imaginative sculptural details. He initially trained as a blacksmith but later switched to study drawing and ceramics at Bing & Grøndahl and Royal Copenhagen.
In the 1930s he opened his own workshop, creating rustic stoneware items decorated with small human and animal figures. During World War II, material shortages forced him to close his workshop, and he returned to work at Royal Copenhagen, where he produced both stoneware and humorous blanc-de-chine figurines. His later work included enamel on copper. Willumsen’s legacy is defined by his craftsmanship, experimental surfaces, and a uniquely sculptural ceramic style.
My lovely jug will be carefully packed and sent to you with Royal Mail Tracked and Signed for Post. It will be also have private insurance to ensure that it is fully insured against loss or damage in transit. This will be applied to your order at the checkout.