Thorvald Bindesbøll, Twelve-Armed Chandelier, "The Sun", circa 1900

Over a century after his death, Thorvald Bindesbøll is remembered for his wonderfully artistic ceramic designs, smithed creations and imaginative lighting fixtures. The Danish architect, designer and artist brought a creative eye and meticulous hand to everything he made.

Born in Copenhagen, Bindesbøll’s early education was unconventional. His father, the famed architect Michael Gottlieb Bindesbøll, taught him at home. Growing up around his father’s students and colleagues, he was challenged to match them in intellect and artistic acuity.

In 1876, Bindesbøll graduated with an architecture degree from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. Instead of just focusing on architecture, Bindesboll developed a love of art, with a special emphasis on ceramics. 

He worked for a time at Frauens Levarefabrik and then for Johan Wallmann from 1883 to 1890. Throughout the remainder of the 19th century, Bindesbøll collaborated with craftspeople from diverse disciplines, including ceramicists, silversmiths and goldsmiths. 

Bindesbøll spent a great deal of time designing silver works. The success of these designs led to factories producing inferior copies. 

Bindesbøll died in 1908, leaving behind numerous design sketches and an eclectic body of work that continues to be prized by collectors today.

On 1stDibs, find an array of vintage Thorvald Bindesboll decorative objects, lighting, serveware and more.