Single-Trunk Wooden Accent Tray, Africa 1950s

Single-Trunk Wooden Accent Tray, Africa 1950s

$0.00

REQUEST PRICE HERE

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

Add To Cart

REQUEST PRICE HERE

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

"Breathing" Sculpture by Ineke van Zuuren, The Netherlands 1970s

$0.00

REQUEST PRICE HERE

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

“Breathing'“ by Dutch sculptor Ineke van Zuuren is an exploration of organic abstraction. Van Zuuren transforms a dense block of wood into a form that feels remarkably fluid and alive. Rather than depicting the human figure directly, van Zuuren suggests its presence through graceful curves, balanced proportions, and an elegant sense of movement.

The rich, dark tones of the sculpture are complemented by the wood’s striking natural grain, which becomes an integral part of the composition. Smoothly sculpted convex and concave surfaces catch the light beautifully, emphasising the subtle transitions in the form while highlighting the warmth and tactile quality of the material. The result is a work that feels both monumental and intimate, celebrating the expressive possibilities of solid wood. This sculpture is undoubtedly as captivating from afar as it is up close. This work invites viewers to engage with the interplay of tradition and innovation, celebrating the enduring appeal of solid wood as a medium for artistic expression.

This piece is also a rare representation of Dutch Post-Modernist design, an interesting phase of cultural, social impacts with artists and designers trying to figure out their way towards leaving their marks.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the nature and age of the material, the sculpture may have marks, scratches, and discolouration.

Dimensions:

23.62 in W x 13.38 in D x 33.46 in H

60 cm W x 34 cm D x 85 cm H

Metal Tray with Wicker Wrapped Handles by Finn Juhl and Grethe Kornerup-Bang for Torben Ørskov & Co, Denmark ca 1950s

$0.00

REQUEST PRICE HERE

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

Finn Juhl is celebrated for his sculptural approach to furniture and household design. Rooted in the principles of modernism and influenced by the Scandinavian cultural emphasis on practicality and beauty, Danish designers like Juhl and Grethe Kornerup-Bang, sought to create furniture and household objects that were both elegant and accessible. Danish design flourished in this era, embodying a timeless aesthetic that prioritised human comfort and sustainable practices, laying the foundation for its post-war international acclaim.

This tray by Finn Juhl and Grethe Kornerup-Bang, is a refined example of Danish Modern design at its most understated. Crafted from folded sheet metal with a matte black finish, the tray is elevated by its distinctive hand-wrapped wicker handles, which introduce warmth, texture, and a tactile quality to an otherwise minimalist form. The thoughtful contrast between industrial and natural materials reflects the enduring Danish design philosophy of balancing functionality with organic beauty. Both functional and decorative, the tray can be used at home serving drinks or displayed as a sculptural object. Its clean architectural lines, softened by the wicker-wrapped handles, embody the timeless appeal of mid-century Danish design. Pieces like this are increasingly sought after for their rarity and quiet sophistication.

Whether it is displayed as a centerpiece or used for everyday purposes, this tray encapsulates the timeless appeal of mid-century modern Danish design and the unparalleled craftsmanship of its era.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The tray has recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the item has marks, scratches, and discolouration.

Dimensions:

17.72 in W × 12.40 in D × 0.59 in H

45 cm W x 31.5 cm D x 1.5 cm H

Basket with Wicker Wrapped Handles by Finn Juhl and Grethe Kornerup-Bang for Torben Ørskov & Co., Denmark 1950s

$0.00

REQUEST PRICE HERE

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

Finn Juhl (1912 – 1989) was an architect, interior and industrial designer from Denmark. He is regarded as one of the leading figures of Danish design in the 1940s and was the first to successfully introduce the “Danish Modern” design style to America. Danish design flourished in this era, embodying a timeless aesthetic that prioritised human comfort and sustainable practices, laying the foundation for its post-war international acclaim.

Rooted in the principles of modernism and influenced by the Scandinavian cultural emphasis on practicality and beauty, this basket by Finn Juhl and Grethe Kornerup-Bang, is a refined example of Danish Modern design at its most understated. Crafted from folded sheet metal in a refined matte black finish, this stand-out piece is elevated by hand-wrapped wicker handles that add warmth, texture, and tactile appeal to its minimalist silhouette. The juxtaposition of industrial metal and natural wicker reflects the timeless Danish design tradition of combining functionality with organic beauty. The basket balances smooth lines with the softness of its woven handles. Its understated character and mid-century Danish aesthetic make it a timeless addition to the home, while its quiet sophistication and deep ties to danish design history make pieces of this kind increasingly sought after.

Designers like Juhl and Grethe Kornerup-Bang, sought to create furniture and household objects that were both elegant and accessible. Whether it is displayed as a centerpiece or used for everyday purposes, this basket encapsulates the timeless appeal of mid-century modern Danish design and the unparalleled craftsmanship of its era.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The basket has recently been reconditioned. Some scratches are present. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the item may have marks and discolouration.

Dimensions:

11.81 in W x 8.26 in D x 13.38 in H

30 cm W x 21 cm D x 34 cm H