Bottle

Mogens Balle, 1950

MEDIUMStoneware and glaze
DIMENSIONS24.8 × 7.6 cm (9 3/4 × 3 in.)
LOCATIONArt Institute of Chicago
COLLECTIONArts of the Americas
CULTUREUnited States
CREDIT LINEGift of Mrs. William G. Swartchild Jr.

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.

Get the full experience in Art Whisper
Get it on Google Play Download on the App Store
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.

ART MOVEMENTS
CoBrA
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

1

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

2

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

3

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

1 more detail waiting — unlock in Art Whisper
Audio Deep Dive

Stop to appreciate this stoneware bottle's beautifully imperfect form and rich, earthy glaze. Its handmade quality and organic shape offer a quiet, sculptural…

Hear the full story in the app
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 Mogens's full story in Art Whisper
See something wrong?
Open the App