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Price category: 1,000 - 2,500 usd / eur

Carved wooden vessels occupy a unique position between utility and sculpture. Across many African woodworking traditions, everyday objects such as bowls, trays, and serving vessels were shaped directly from solid trunks, allowing the natural characteristics of the timber to determine both the appearance and final form. The resulting pieces often possess a quiet power, where simple gestures and careful craftsmanship create a lasting visual impact.

The silhouette of this tray is bold and compact. Hollowed from a single section of wood, the bowl rests on four short feet that lift it subtly from the surface below. Cylindrical handles project from either side, introducing a horizontal dimension that balances the rounded volume of the vessel. The uninterrupted grain flows across the piece, revealing shifts in colour due to the single-trunk construction. Subtle tool marks and natural variations in the wood lend depth to the surface, while the smooth interior highlights the skill required to create such a form from a solid block of timber. Despite its modest scale, the tray possesses a distinctly architectural quality, built from a combination of shapes and carefully proportioned volumes.

Objects of this kind demonstrate how functional forms can achieve a sculptural presence through material alone. Whether used as a catchall or decorative centrepiece, the tray draws attention to the richness of the wood and the clarity of its construction. Its enduring appeal lies not in elaborate decoration but in the confidence of its form, where every element serves a purpose and contributes to a sense of permanence.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The accent tray has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the material, the item may have minor marks, scratches, and discolouration. The piece features an exceptional wood grain.

Dimensions:

14.56 in W x 10.23 in D x 4.33 in H

37 cm W x 26 cm D x 11 cm H

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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur

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In her works, Kati Tuominen-Niittylä explores the concept of the container, interpreting it with natural colours and timeless, clean lines. This allows her to rediscover the beauty of both simplicity and archaic forms. The surfaces, meticulously treated as a sort of meditative practice, recall the light and landscapes of the Nordic forests.

Her minimalistic and timeless language of forms appears in every inch of this bowl that is in the field between art, design, and handicraft. This model blends multiple techniques with extraordinary skill alternating between wheel-throwing, casting, and hand-building with a prevalence of textured, carved surfaces, all of which are high-fired. The result is a uniquely textured look that is influenced by the various ceramic masses, clay slurries, glazings, and surface structures the artist uses. The bowl is just as interesting from inside as it is from the outside, with darker colours that enhance the texture and patterns. The inherent organicity is also apparent in the shape that doesn’t follow strict geometric principles, instead, has a natural flow to it. As a designer, Tuominen-Niittylä has been one of those postmodernists who softened the worst edges of the style into a more user-friendly form. Or as she put it: “I like the quiet movement.” This bowl is signed with “KTN” at its neck.

Kati Tuominen-Niittylä’s works do not fit directly under any ready definition. They have the kind of archaic timelessness that is recognizable throughout the long period of human history as we know art objects. This bowl is stylistically closer to the elegance of modernism than the playfulness of postmodernism, guaranteed to stand out in any style and type of space.

Condition:

In good condition.

Dimensions:

16.3 in W x 10.23 in D x 10.43 in H

41.5 cm W x 26 cm D x 26.5 cm H

About the designer:

Kati Tuominen-Niittylä (Finish, b. 1947) is an internationally acclaimed ceramic artist living and working in Helsinki, Finland. Her elegant minimalist works blend multiple techniques with extraordinary skill alternating between wheel-throwing, casting, and hand-building with a prevalence of textured, carved surfaces, and all of which are high-fired.

Evoking archetypal silhouettes reminiscent of functional vessels such as buckets and basketry, as well as shapes found in nature, Tuominen-Niittylä creates objects that are refined and sophisticated yet with a rough plainness that is further emphasized by the earthy neutral hues. The objects appear almost ancient or geological. The interchanging of techniques also affords a uniqueness to each piece, and it often leads to new details and finishes. Although the works are suggestive of ancient functional forms, Tuominen-Niittylä creates each piece purely with artistic purpose.

Tuominen-Niittylä studied at the Aalto University School of Arts, Architecture and Design. She is a member of the Arabia Art Department Society and has designed for Arabia Studios. Her work is in the permanent collections of numerous public institutions including the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the Finnish State Collections, and the Shigaraki Cultural Park Museum in Japan.

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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur

Priscilla Mouritzen is an internationally celebrated, South-African born Danish contemporary ceramic artist. Her creations reflect her expertise and mastery with a dedication to form and texture, inspired from traditional pottery techniques, African traditions, and minimalist design principles.

This vase exhibits understated elegance and a timeless appeal. With an emphasis on balance and harmony, it blends traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics and is exemplary of Mouritzen’s artistry. The practice of ceramics has a longstanding and celebrated tradition in Denmark. The founding of the Royal Copenhagen factory in the 18th century saw the expansion and popularisation of ceramics, although it wasn’t until in the 1950s, where artists were drawn again to material experimentation and innovation - balancing the boundaries between function and aesthetics. The Scandinavian Modern influence attracted interest from other European countries where pieces such as this vase, have become prized items. The refined design of this vase and simple form reflects its modern influence. The subtle textural details on the surface add an interesting visual element and character. While Priscilla Mouritzen has experimented with different techniques, her works often use a pinch pot approach and a wood firing process. The smoked wood firing process used adds to its unique quality - the deep black finish enhances this vase’s sculptural quality, making it a bold yet sophisticated addition to any space. Priscilla Mouritzen’s creations are made by hand and inherently add to the authentic beauty and value of this vase.

Priscilla Mouritzen has exhibited her works worldwide and still exhibits regularly to this day. Since 2001, she has been an active board member and vice-president of the Guldagergaard Foundation; a research centre and a cultural institution focused on the strengthening and development of ceramic arts.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.

Dimensions: 

Ø 14.96 in x 18.89 in H

Ø 38 cm x 48 cm H

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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur

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Nature has been a source of inspiration for artists, craftsmen, and to people of all trades since the dawn of time. This spike-shaped sculptural creation is ideal to bring a piece of ‘naturalia’ into any space to marvel at the “art” of nature.

This almost three-meter-high natural sculpture came to be from one tree trunk, most likely teak. The hollowed surface is the result of serving as the home for termites. Large termite mounds have become popular in the past years thanks to their elaborate structure. In the case of tree trunks, the patterns are visible on the outside, making them visually mesmerizing. Termites tend to take over mature trees, which here, is indicated by the sheer size of this tree trunk. This sculptural tree trunk has become preserved as a fossil; therefore, it is no longer deteriorating. Nonetheless, its natural characteristic stays intact with uneven edges and beautiful texture. The spike-shape resembles termite mounds found in West and Central Africa.

Sculptures that blend in perfectly with nature have been popular in the past decades, but as this colossal piece shows, natural sculptures also have a place inside. Instead of blending in, this piece can be the focal point of any space.

Condition:

In vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Marks due to age and external agents.

Dimensions:

15.74 in W x 12.99 in D x 104.33 in H

40 cm W x 33 cm D x 265 cm H