Vase ‘Surrea’ designed by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg
Sweden, 1940s
Stoneware.Signed.
Introduced in 1940, Surrea is a rare and innovative ceramic collection by Kåge that embodies the influence of the surrealist movement. Initially conceived as a playful experiment, Kåge deconstructed and reassembled vessels with subtle shifts in perspective, leading to a groundbreaking approach to design that blurred the line between functional objects and artistic expression.
The production of Surrea was exceptionally limited due to the technical challenges involved. The intricate process of joining the reassembled parts without introducing firing cracks required extraordinary precision, making each piece a testament to Kåge's craftsmanship.
Wilhelm Kåge (1889–1960) was a renowned Swedish artist and designer, celebrated for his innovative work in ceramics. As the artistic director of Gustavsberg Porcelain Factory from 1917 to 1949, he revolutionised Swedish design, blending functionality with artistic expression. Kåge's work ranged from elegant everyday tableware to experimental pieces like the Surrea collection, influenced by the surrealist movement. His legacy lies in his ability to merge modernist ideals with craftsmanship, making him a key figure in 20th-century Scandinavian design.
H: 42 cm / 1' 4 1/2"
D: 25 cm / 9 13/16"
W: 28 cm / 11"
Price: on application
