Bjorn Wiinblad "Titania, Queen of the Fairies" Vase - 1991

BJORN WIINBLAD (b. 1918 - d. 2006): "TITANIA" V20

12.5" H x 7.25" D x 4.25" W

This magnificently hand-built and illustrated work of art ceramic is by celebrated Danish illustrator and glass, silver, textiles, and ceramics designer Bjorn Wiinblad. This particular piece was designed for the prestigious Illums Bolighus [Denmark's first concept department store] in 1970, one year after Wiinblad became the first artist to exhibit there. The form of this piece is the bust of Titania, Queen of Fairies from the Midsummer Night's Dream series.  Individual rosettes and leaves are elegantly placed to bring to life Titania's high floral crown with an exquisitely curved tapering that creates a leaf shape of its own for the rim of the vase. Handpainted onto the form is the illustrated design, seamlessly applied to the crown and the upper torso, creating the visual effect that blurs the separation between flora and foliage and Tatiana herself. The combination of the statement size, palette, and excellent condition of this piece makes it a noteworthy find of Wiinblad's early work. This particular piece was made late in his career, and produced in his own workshop in 1990 as he was designing the decor for the exclusive Hotel d’Angleterre in Copenhagen.