Unique Oxblood Glazed Stoneware Pieces, By Henning Nilsson, Set Of 3

This unique stoneware set comprises a vase, jar, and plate, all featuring an oxblood glaze, crafted by Henning Nilsson (1907 - 1993) of Höganäs. Each piece bears Nilsson's incised signature.

The vase, with its baluster shape and concave upper and lower parts, showcases a blend of sand-colored and dark red oxblood glaze. The jar, broad and cylindrical, exhibits remnants of red oxblood glaze on reliefed rings, with visible red drops at the base. Meanwhile, the plate, predominantly sand-colored, boasts a striking splash of dark red oxblood glaze in its center, extending towards the edges.

Henning Nilsson's mastery of glazes, particularly his unique oxblood glaze, distinguishes these pieces. His experimentation with glazes and forms resulted in creations that are both visually captivating and historically significant.

The details about Nilsson's background and his association with the Höganäs ceramic tradition is very interesting. The provenance of these pieces lies in Höganäs, where Nilsson established his workshop and experimented with ceramics. These pieces are highly representative of Nilsson's signature style, which is usually characterized by his innovative oxblood glazes.

ABOUT OXBLOOD GLAZE
Oxblood glaze, originating in 18th-century Chinese porcelain, is a deep red ceramic glaze, also known as Sang de boeuf glaze. Developed during the Kangxi reign, it's part of a series of "flambé" glazes marked by varying effects. Primarily made with copper oxide in a reducing atmosphere, it was produced with a variety of shades of colour and as well as mottling, streaked effects in the glaze, which often fades to white at the top of pieces, and conversely thickens around the shoulders of vases and at the foot, which is often not fully covered by the glaze. There is often crackle, and a greenish tinge at the edges of the glazed area, where the glaze is thin. All of these were considered desirable effects. Generally the glaze is only applied to the outside of closed shapes, the inside and rim left with a clear glaze.

ABOUT HENNING NILSSON
Henning Sigfrid Nilsson, born on October 7, 1907, in Välinge, Sweden, and passed away on January 14, 1993, in Höganäs, was a distinguished Swedish ceramist.

Henning embarked on his artistic journey by crafting small stone playing balls, which he fired in a brick kiln and sold to his close acquaintances. During the tumult of the Second World War, he diversified his endeavors, establishing a tailoring, laundry, and antique shop in Höganäs to augment his income. It was through this antique trade that he encountered the sculptor Robert Nilsson and the ceramicist Signe Persson Melin, whose influence spurred his fascination with ceramics.

Setting up a modest electric kiln and workshop, Henning, alongside a friend, delved into the realm of ceramic production. Initially drawn to the complexities of glazing, he meticulously experimented, ultimately mastering the creation of distinctive Oxblood glazes. When his partner departed the venture, Henning, undeterred, taught himself the art of turning pottery, eschewing formal training after just a brief stint in a course.

As his craft flourished, Henning outgrew his humble kiln, securing permission to utilize the facilities of the Höganäsbolaget kiln for his creations. His passion for ceramics extended to his sons, Vincent Nilsson and Roger Nilsson, both of whom followed in his footsteps as ceramists. Alongside fellow artists Yngve Blixt, Ann Jansson, Claes Thell, and Brita Mellander-Jungermann, he co-founded the group Keramiker i Höganäs, organizing collective exhibitions across the country and overseeing their own exhibition space in Höganäs.

ABOUT HÖGANÄS
Höganäs stands out as the epitome of Swedish ceramic craftsmanship, its name intertwined with a rich legacy spanning nearly two centuries. Within its borders, kilns have tirelessly fired ceramics, imbuing the town with a deep-seated connection to the art form. Adorned with the distinctive stamp of the city, exquisite ceramic creations have transformed Höganäs into a global ceramic icon—a testament to the collaborative efforts of potters, artists, designers, and manufacturers. Through their dedication and creativity, and high quality of the Stoneware clay, Höganäs has earned renown on the international stage, solidifying its position as a hub of ceramic excellence.

Price is for Set

Condition report:

Good
Wear consistent with age and use. Henning Nilsson's ceramics have intentional cracklings and subtle bubbles, which give them authenticity and charm. These imperfections are not flaws but rather integral parts of the artist's aesthetic, adding depth and character to each piece.

Additional dimensions information:

Height: 3.15 in (8 cm)Diameter: 3.55 in (9 cm) Vase Measures: Height: 18 cm, Diameter: 9 cm Incised: "Höganäs, HN" Jar Measures: Height: 13,5 cm, Diameter: 11,5 cm Incised: "20-5-65, Henning Nilsson, Höganäs" Plate Measures: Height: 3 cm, Diameter: 18,7 cm Incised: "10-7-60, Henning Nilsson, Höganäs"