Elongated Sculptural Wooden Bowl, Europe Second half of the 20th Century
















Elongated Sculptural Wooden Bowl, Europe Second half of the 20th Century
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
The second half of the 20th century saw a renewed fascination with organic form and material integrity. Across Europe, the postwar years brought a quiet resistance to industrial uniformity, artists and designers returned to the tactile immediacy of natural materials. Studio craftsmen began to treat wood, clay, and metal as expressive mediums rather than mere functional matter. The result was an era that celebrated the imperfect, the handmade, and the quietly sculptural, where design and art began to intertwine with new intimacy.
Carved from a single piece of richly grained wood, the elongated bowl reveals a deep respect for both material and skill. Its shape, stretching gracefully from end to end, feels fluid and intentional, while the gently arched handle gives the object a structural balance. The surface bears traces of the maker’s hand, with soft ridges and natural irregularities that add a tactile rhythm to its form. Swirling grain patterns further provide a striking visual dimension, highlighting a contrast of tone and texture. The form shifts subtly depending on the viewer’s angle, inviting exploration and offering a sense of balance between lightness and strength. Whether used as a functional centerpiece or simply admired as an object of form and shadow, it draws the eye through its quiet complexity and sculptural quality.
As with much of European studio craftsmanship from this era, this piece speaks to a time that valued authenticity and material truth above decoration or excess. The maker’s hand is evident yet never dominant, allowing the natural form of the wood to guide the design.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the nature and age of the material, item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
41.92 in W x 15.74 in D x 8.26 in H
106.5 cm W x 40 cm D x 21 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This vase exhibits understated elegance and a timeless appeal. With an emphasis on balance and harmony, it blends traditional craftsmanship with organic aesthetics and is exemplary of Maud Fredin-Fredholm’s artistry. The practice of ceramics has a longstanding and celebrated tradition in Scandinavia, although it wasn’t until in the mid-20th century, where artists were drawn again to material experimentation and innovation - balancing the boundaries between function and aesthetics.
This vase is a playful example of the eccentric side of Scandinavian mid-century ceramic design. The organicity is quite literally expressed, representing the rare, more decorative models of Swedish modernism. There is a focus on the ceramic body, as it features a beautiful and organic colour palette with illustrative details, giving a clear artistic touch. Beyond the aesthetic appeal, it also offers practical benefits, serving as a focal point that draws the eye and anchors the room's visual narrative. Both decorative and functional, this object embodies the quiet sophistication that defines Swedish mid-century pieces. As an authentic example of 1940s Scandinavian ceramics, it offers a blend of artistry, craftsmanship, and everyday usability. Stylish yet understated, the vase stands as a refined expression of Maud Fredin-Fredholm and Bo Fajans’ enduring design legacy.
A well-chosen decorative piece can change the overall look of a room and how it feels to inhabit the space. This vase is the perfect addition to bring a touch of organic elegance to any space without it being overwhelming. Its unique character makes it a timeless example of the golden age of ceramic design.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The item has recently been reconditioned. The vase comes with a brass insert, which is a later replacement. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
9.45 in ø × 21.26 in H
24 cm ø x 54 cm H