Vase

Mogens Balle, 1948

MEDIUMStoneware and glaze
DIMENSIONS15.4 × 13.4 × 13.3 cm (6 1/8 × 5 5/16 × 5 1/4 in.)
LOCATIONArt Institute of Chicago
COLLECTIONArts of the Americas
CULTUREOakland
CREDIT LINEGift of Mr. and Mrs. William G. Swartchild Jr.

Stop to appreciate the raw, organic beauty of this stoneware vase. Its rugged texture and earthy glazes capture a moment in Danish design when artists were celebrating the expressive power of natural materials.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

This stoneware vase, made in 1948, presents a robust, organic form that feels both ancient and strikingly modern. Its surface is a landscape of earthy tones, with glazes that ripple and pool, creating a textured, almost geological effect. The irregular contours suggest a hand-built quality, a deliberate departure from industrial perfection, which was a significant trend in Danish ceramics during the mid-20th century. Look closely at how the light catches the uneven surface, revealing subtle shifts in color from deep ochre to a muted, almost volcanic gray. This piece embodies a fascination with natural materials and forms, transforming humble clay into a sculptural object that invites touch and close inspection. It speaks to a moment when artists were exploring the expressive potential of craft, pushing the boundaries of functional design into the realm of abstract art.

ART MOVEMENTS
CoBrA
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

1

The rich, varied texture of the glaze, like cooled lava.

2

Subtle shifts in color from deep brown to lighter, sandy tones.

3

The irregular, almost asymmetrical shape of the vase's body.

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Audio Deep Dive

Stop to appreciate the raw, organic beauty of this stoneware vase. Its rugged texture and earthy glazes capture a moment in Danish design when artists were cel…

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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.

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