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"The Funeral, 1957-1958", A Unique Large Rut Bryk Wall Relief, Arabia
About the Item
A stunning wall relief in glazed ceramic designed by Rut Bryk and made in 1957-58. The piece named "The Funeral" depicts six men carrying a coffin and flowers and is beautifully described in the Rut Bryk book by Harri Kalha as follows:
"Without knowing the title of this work, we might not guess its content. The long pale shape punctuated by dark columns depicts a coffin being carried by six men in top hats. The coffin is draped with delicate flowers, the only traditional element in the composition - as if to suggest that it would be unseemly to tamper with a symbolic last tribute to the deceased. A large heart is inscribed on the coffin imperfect, yet as beautiful as a ceramic surface ever can be. The heart is a wreath woven of sprigs of Linnaea. In-side the heart, nuances of pink are set off by a delicate grey bruise.
Here we have an omen of an approaching artistic watershed: Bryk was in the process of abandoning figurative depiction. The lines are more solid and assured; the robust shapes reluctant to reveal whether they form a sculpture or a picture.
It is somehow fitting that Bryk has cloaked the emotional content of this work in such austere, enigmatic garb. Abstraction is itself mourning dress of sorts: renouncing representation is a form of letting go, hence the sombre, faceless figures. The occasion is official, yet the artist has wanted to engrave her personal mark on the ceremony.
The Funeral dates from 1957, the year the artist's father Felix was buried, Bryk kept this work on the wall of her studio and preferred not to show it in exhibitions. She never revealed to outsiders whose funeral the work portrayed."
This piece is so big, that it's made up of two seperate ceramic tiles held together by a wooden frame in the back. Both tiles are glazed, polished and in good condition apart from 3 minor chips on the back (please refer to the pictures, the chips are less 1 cm each, very small). The item is signed "Bryk"
This piece is unique (a few were made, and uniquely hand coloured), it came from the personal collection of Edmundo Diquez C., a very successful and renowned architect from Venezeula. The last two pictures are of a similar piece hanging in the Rut Bryk section in the EMMA museum and from the book "Rut Bryk".
Rut Bryk (1916–1999) was a pioneering Finnish ceramic artist known for her intricate, colourful, and often architectural tile works. Blending elements of modernism, folk art, and storytelling, her pieces ranged from delicate, nature-inspired motifs to large-scale geometric compositions.
Originally trained as a graphic artist, Bryk transitioned into ceramics in the 1940s, working at Arabia, Finland’s renowned ceramics manufacturer. Over the decades, she developed a distinctive style, experimenting with textures, glazing techniques, and sculptural forms. Her later works, particularly large ceramic reliefs, became key features in public spaces, showcasing her ability to merge art and architecture.
Bryk was also part of Finland’s mid-century design movement, alongside her husband, designer Tapio Wirkkala. Although Bryk herself was very shy, and rarely gave any insight into her works, let alone interviews or pictures. Her work continues to be celebrated for its timeless beauty, meticulous craftsmanship, and innovative approach to ceramics.
- Creator:
- Dimensions:Height: 20.67 in (52.5 cm)Width: 33.27 in (84.5 cm)Depth: 1.19 in (3 cm)
- Style:Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1957-58
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. The overall impression is good. A couple of minor chips on the back. They're so small and I significant that we choose to leave them as such.
- Seller Location:Helsinki, FI
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU6346239742222
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