Gunnar Nylund Miniature Lug Handled Vase

A delightful miniature vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, around 1950.

Rörstrand's esteemed production of miniatures took inspiration from a long tradition of miniature ceramics in ancient China. The exquisite ceramics of China were a rich source of inspiration for many Swedish designers during mid-20th Century, who would reinterpret ancient forms & glazes in a beautifully Modernist fashion.

This navy blue vase features a fantastically bulbous spherical body & narrow neck. Although the bold form is modern, the cylindrical neck features rectangular lug handles which echo Chinese designs from as far back as the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC).

The distinctive shape & matte navy blue glaze of this exquisite piece are unconventional in the context of Nylund's miniature designs. The design features incised decoration on the handles and a notably playful aesthetic. The simple yet effective navy glaze is a perfect match for this endearing object, and features subtle transparent freckles which catch the light.