Bottle by Mogens Balle

Bottle

Mogens Balle · 1950

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“Stop to appreciate this stoneware bottle's beautifully imperfect form and rich, earthy glaze. Its handmade quality and organic shape offer a quiet, sculptural presence that feels both ancient and modern.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

This stoneware bottle, created around 1950, stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, organic forms. Its robust, almost squat body tapers gently upward, culminating in a short, narrow neck. The surface is alive with a subtle, earthy glaze that appears to shift from deep, warm browns to hints of reddish ochre, suggesting the varied textures of natural clay. There's an intentional unevenness to its shape, a slight tilt and a hand-formed quality that gives it a unique character, distinguishing it from mass-produced objects. Instead of perfect symmetry, we see the touch of the maker, imbuing the vessel with a quiet, sculptural presence that invites closer inspection. It feels both ancient and modern, a timeless object that could hold anything from water to secrets.

DETAILS
Artist
Mogens Balle
Date
1950
Medium
Stoneware and glaze
Location
Art Institute of Chicago
Dimensions
24.8 × 7.6 cm (9 3/4 × 3 in.)
Collection
Arts of the Americas
Culture
United States
Credit line
Gift of Mrs. William G. Swartchild Jr.
ART MOVEMENTS
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

Four details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Bottle
01

Observe the subtle variations in the glaze, from dark brown to reddish tones.

02

Notice the slightly irregular, hand-formed shape of the body.

03

See how the base is wider, giving the bottle a grounded, stable appearance.

04

Look at the texture of the stoneware; it suggests a tactile, natural material.

AUDIO DEEP DIVE

Stand in front of it and listen

The full narration walks you through Bottle — the story behind it, the details most visitors miss, and why it matters. Free in the Art Whisper app.

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THE ARTIST

Mogens Balle

1921–1988 · Kingdom of Denmark

Mogens Balle, a Danish painter, created vibrant, abstract works, often exploring the spontaneous and experimental.

Read Balle’s full story
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