This is a very unusual piece of vintage Swedish Art Pottery.
It is a Chamotte or Hedgehog vase - which was designed by Gunnar Nylund (1904 - 1997) for Rorstrand. He was the artistic leader for the Rorstrand factory in the 1940s and 1950s. Nylund is represented at the Swedish National Museum of Art and Design.
These hedgehog vases were made between 1936 and 1948. They have swelling forms, strong colours, and very rough, almost prickly, surfaces - hence the nickname "Igelkotten" for them.
They were made in three sizes and five colours (Emerald, Topaz, Yellow, White - and Turquoise). This one is the largest size and it is made of heavy stoneware and has a very pale white-grey lustre shade to the glaze, as photographed.
The alternative name of Chamotte is also known as 'firesand', a raw ceramic material that has a high percentage of silica and alumina. It can be produced by firing selected fire clays to high temperatures before grinding and screening to specific particle sizes.
It was made with clay mixed with discarded shards of stoneware from Rörstrand’s furnaces. Nylund himself described it like this: “It is like an aspect of nature is reflected in this rugged, mystical surface”.
Nylund was employed at Rörstrand for most of the early 1930s and remained until the mid-1950s. He is regarded as one of the most important ceramists of the 20th century.
The décor makes this an exceptionally tactile piece, the highly textured, rough surface with the glossily glazed décor is a fabulous juxtaposition.
The height is just over 8 inches (21 cm) tall. As mentioned, the largest size of this design.
It is in excellent vintage condition and is fully signed to the base. The larger sizes are harder to find - and this is reflected in my asking price.
It is a very heavy piece of ceramics - and will be limited to UK posting only. It will be very carefully packed and sent to you double boxed with a very sturdy outer box and lots of packing. It will be posted with Parcelforce24. And quoting postage at £14 and this will be applied to your order at the checkout.