Francesca Mascitti Lindh Hooded Art Object

An unusual biomorphic vessel with hood, designed and made by Francesca Mascitti Lindh at Arabia, Finland, circa 1955.

Although hand-thrown in one piece, the form of this intriguing pot is a medley of two shapes. The bulbous main body is a lightly squashed sphere, whilst the upper half is a flattish ribbon arching over the top of the pot. Naturally, this loop creates a handle for carrying or suspending the vase. Perhaps this is Mascitti Lindh’s take on a costrel for potpourri, or maybe the form is inspired by a crotal bell.

Decorated with a rather serious palette of dark greens, greys, browns, and blacks, the glaze evokes an unearthed artefact. The surface is irregularly mottled, and both glossy & matt like ancient bronze, heavily patinated after years in the ground.

Looking closely, the vase retains throwing lines, formed by Mascitti Lindh's fingertips, intentionally left (we believe) to add further to the works natural and rustic demeanour.  

Overall the vase has an ageless & permanent feel. Its expression is akin to the energy held within ancient artefacts. The object feels like an essential form, that is, a shape honed by history, like a carved wooden grain scoop or free-blown utilitarian bottle.

All this said, at the same time, this ceramic pot is, of course, utterly Modern. Mascitti Lindh's fresh approach and distinctive techniques established her as one of Finland’s leading potters. All throughout her long career, of over 40 years, in ceramics,  Mascitti Lindh exhibited internally to critical acclaim.

In fact, based on a historic photograph we have found, we suspect that this design may have been part of an exhibition in Cannes, France.