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Gunvor Olin-Grönqvist Scandinavian Modern Stoneware Sculpture Shell Handmade

About the Item

Gunvor Olin-Grönqvist – A unique stoneware sculpture of a snail shell on a glazed base – Arabia Finland ca. 1980 Description A unique unglazed incised stoneware sculpture of a spiral shell or snail shell on a glazed base. Sculpted by Gunvor Olin-Grönqvist for Arabia’s Art Department in the 1980s. The sculpture is signed underneath the base: Gunvor Olin-Grönqvist Arabia Finland. Similar sculptures are in the collection of the NationalMuseum Stockholm and the Victoria & Albert Museum, London. Artist Gunvor Olin-Grönqvist (Espoo, Finland 1928 – Helsinki, Finland 2005) an esteemed Finnish artist, left an indelible mark on the world of ceramics with her exceptional talent and creative vision. Born in Espoo, Finland in 1928, Olin-Grönqvist embarked on a lifelong journey of artistic exploration that spanned several decades. Olin-Grönqvist’s artistic journey commenced at the Institute of Industrial Art, where she studied as a porcelain painter from 1948 to 1951. It was during this formative period that her passion for the craft was ignited, setting the stage for her illustrious career. From 1951 to 1992, Olin-Grönqvist dedicated her professional life to the iconic Arabia factory, where she made remarkable contributions in the Applied Art and Art Department. With unwavering dedication and a keen eye for detail, she meticulously designed various models and decoration types for mass production. Some notable creations include Valpuri, Fructus, Kosmos, Soraya, and Noah’s Ark, each bearing Olin-Grönqvist’s distinctive artistic signature. In her pursuit of excellence, Olin-Grönqvist employed a range of innovative techniques in her decorative work. Raw painting, vibrant colour glazes, and intricate engraving were her hallmarks, breathing life into her creations. Her designs often featured stylized animal, fruit, and plant motifs imbued with enchanting fairy-tale themes. Porcelein, faience, and stoneware served as her preferred mediums, each allowing her to unleash her artistic expression with grace and precision. In the later years of her career, Olin-Grönqvist shifted her focus to the Art Department, where she delved into the naturalistic portrayal of garden plants and sea-life. Her subjects ranged from meticulously rendered apples and onions to whimsical scenes depicting a chicken coop with a lurking fox. These works showcased her ability to capture the essence of nature with astonishing realism and artistic finesse. Among Olin-Grönqvist’s notable achievements is the iconic Tea for Two, Arabia’s first white stoneware tea service characterized by elegant, rounded forms. This exquisite design, a testament to her creative genius, solidified her position as a pioneer in the field of porcelain artistry. Marked Incised underneath the base: Gunvor Olin-Grönqvist Arabia Finland Execution Arabia, Finland circa 1980 Condition Very good original condition. No chips or cracks. Wear consistent with age and use. Literature Marianne Aav (ed.) Arabia: Ceramic, Art, Industry Dimensions Height 17,5 cm Width 19 cm Depth 5,4 cm Weight: 947 grams Complimentary Worldwide Shipping
  • Creator:
    Arabia (Manufacturer),Gunvor Olin-Grönqvist (Artist)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 6.89 in (17.5 cm)Width: 7.49 in (19 cm)Depth: 2.13 in (5.4 cm)
  • Style:
    Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
    1980-1989
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1980
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Very good original condition. No chips or cracks. Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    EL Waalre, NL
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5141235233072
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