John Andersson "Balloon" Vase

An exquisite stoneware vase by John Andersson, Höganäs, C. 1958. 

Arriving at the Höganäs factory in 1912 at the age of 13, John Andersson dedicated his entire life to ceramics. This hand-thrown vase demonstrates the artist's aptitude and great technical skill after a lifetime spent at the potter's wheel.

Like a balloon filled with air, the distinct shape of this vase beautifully illustrates the Swedish Modern aesthetic; a movement immersed in the elegance of pure forms. The attractive shape is both exquisite & technically challenging. The thin walls swell gently outwards, before curving to create a perfect dome. The vase's mouth is a simple hole in the top, which has a gently raised edge. 

To preserve the sheer beauty of the form itself, Andersson has glazed this piece in a subtle navy blue matte glaze. The refined glaze is simple, yet has delicate hues of greens, yellows and browns.

John Andersson is perhaps best known for creating wonderful works in miniature, a speciality later adopted by designers at Rörstrand. This unique full-sized example of Andersson's work, however, makes an elegant interior statement for the home.