Mid-Century Relief Ceramic Bowls from Michael Andersen & Son, 1960s, Set of 2

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A remarkable pair of 1960s ceramic bowls or jardinières of different sizes by Michael Andersen & Son of Bornholm, Denmark, … Read more A remarkable pair of 1960s ceramic bowls or jardinières of different sizes by Michael Andersen & Son of Bornholm, Denmark, inspired by a celebrated 13th-century baptismal font from a church in Åkirkeby, Bornholm. with their sculptural silhouettes, substantial footed forms, and richly modeled surfaces, these exceptional vessels bring together medieval imagery and the expressive character of Danish ceramic craftsmanship. The design is based on a historic baptismal font carved by a master from Gotland, Sweden, translating its intricate sandstone decoration into a distinctive mid-century ceramic interpretation. The exteriors are covered with elaborate tactile relief decoration, depicting an extraordinary cast of medieval-inspired imagery. Among the motifs are a ram, a dragon, a mustached male figure, serpentine creatures with wolf-like heads, religious scenes, and royal figures. The decoration creates wonderfully layered, narrative surfaces, inviting close inspection from every angle. Their palette is particularly compelling, combining moody blue-gray, charcoal, ivory, and warm cream tones with softly mottled, crackled glazes. The subtle variations in color and surface give the vessels an aged, patinated character, while the deep charcoal interiors provide a dramatic tonal contrast. The substantial proportions and highly decorative exteriors make these exceptional statement pieces for a contemporary interior. They work beautifully displayed together as a set or individually as sculptural centerpieces, decorative bowls, or jardinières, particularly in spaces that embrace organic forms, tactile materials, old-world character, and collected interiors. The undersides are marked with the iconic Michael Andersen & Son three-herring symbol, referencing the coat of arms of Rønne, Bornholm, together with the handwritten designation “Nr. 4645/1” and an original sticker. Founded in Rønne, Bornholm, in the late 19th century by Jens Michael Andersen, Michael Andersen & Son became renowned for its distinctive ceramic forms, sculptural decoration, and innovative glazes. The firm's work is particularly celebrated for combining Danish ceramic tradition with imaginative historical and folkloric references. These jardinières are striking examples of that approach: maximalist yet sophisticated decorative objects in which medieval iconography, Danish mid-century design, and richly artisanal surface treatments converge. Dimensions: Large Bowl: Height: 5.83 in (14.8 cm) Diameter: 5.83 in (14.8 cm) Small Bowl: Height: 4.49 in (11.4 cm) Diameter: 4.02 in (10.2 cm) Details: Designer/Manufacturer: Michael Andersen & Son Model: No. 4645/1 Origin: Bornholm, Denmark Date: Circa 1960s Material: Glazed ceramic Form: Footed bowls / jardinières Marks: Michael Andersen & Son three-herring mark, “Nr. 4645/1”, and an original sticker. Decoration: Relief depicting medieval-inspired animals, figures, religious imagery, and royals. See less