Thorvald Bindesbøll (1846-1908) was a seminal figure in the evolution of Danish design, renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to ceramic art and modernist expressions. A visionary artist, Bindesbøll's work was instrumental in shaping the Art Nouveau movement in Denmark. His designs, characterized by organic forms and dynamic, flowing patterns, sought to harmonize functionality with aesthetic beauty. Among his most celebrated creations are the "Skønvirke" vases, emblematic of his innovative approach to ceramics, and the design of the Carlsberg Brewery logo, which remains an iconic symbol of Danish industrial art. Bindesbøll's legacy is reflected in his profound influence on the trajectory of Scandinavian design, marrying utility with unparalleled artistic expression.

Københavns Lervarefabrik

Incised and glazed stoneware. 
Signed monogram to the inside, dated: '1901'.
Made in the Copenhagen Lervarefabrik, Eifrig. 

Literature: 
Peter Brandes, Hans Edvard Nørregård-Nielsen & Henrik Wivel, 'Thorvald Bindesbøll – Ceramic Works', Rhodos, 1997, pp. 110–111 (similar example illustrated).

Ceramics

Vase

Glazed ceramic. Signed monogram TB, 1892. The inside of the upper rim titled “The Dragon”

Exhibited: Danish Pavilion, International Exhibition of Arts & Crafts. Grand Palais, Paris 1925. (Group III, 2, No. 1, No. 2002).

Ed. Rées auction, Design Museum Denmark, November 1918. Catalogue No. 196, here indicated by incorrect year. Sold to Consul General Valdemar Glückstadt for DKK 935,-.

Owned by merchant I. Chr. T. Levinsen during The Paris Exhibition.

Thorvald Bindesbøll made many of his vases at Københavns Lervarefabrik in Valby. Here he was a colleague to the artist Svend Hammershøi. Hammershøi describes Bindesbøll's works as a result of a serious and highly thought-out process. A work process where the sketches were hung on the wall, so “... the idea of a shape or an ornament slowly can mature itself and prove fit to be executed in real life…” This is reflected in his ceramics which precisely show this organic process where everything is in constant movement.

Literature: Svend Hammershøi: Thorvald Bindelsbøll. In Memoriam 1846–1946. Fischers Forlag, 1946, pp. 34–35.

The "Dragons Breath" Floor Vase

Incised and glazed decoration. Signed monogram, 91, Eifrig, Valby. Unique.