Studio pottery vase in pale gray glaze, by Claes Thell (1943–2019)
Stoneware bottle vase with pale grey reactive glaze and a brown mark, 1970’s . Incised "Cthell" at the bottom.
Claes Thell (1943–2019) was one of Sweden’s leading ceramic artists in the 20th century. He grew up near Höganäs, a region in southern Sweden famous for its ceramic know-how, and started working in the medium at the age of fifteen. Thell developed an enthusiasm for the medium and gained a mastery glazing from years spent working at the Höganäs Metallurgical Laboratory. After his education and early work years at the Höganäs factory, he started his own studio in the area during the 1970s . Claes became a master of throwing and glazing, leading to unique stoneware pieces with rustic and rough expressions.
Inspired by the local rocky landscape, Thell gave his pieces strong forms, which he adorned with organic appliqué, or random, naturalistic dimples. He often mixed his stoneware clay with iron powder, as well as pursuing the development and experimentation with uranium, zinc, and iron. His enduring interest in Asian art and ceramics was deepened after a tour of Korea in 1991, and thereafter, the influence of eastern cultures is more evident in his pieces.
Claes Thell’s works can be found in several museum collections in Sweden including that of the Swedish National Museum of Art and Design.
Artist: Claes Thell (1943–2019)
Material: Stoneware
Period: 1970’s
Origin: Höganäs, Sweden
Dimensions: Height approx. 21 cm
Condition: Vintage condition, minor glaze damage (see photographs)
Stoneware bottle vase with pale grey reactive glaze and a brown mark, 1970’s . Incised "Cthell" at the bottom.
Claes Thell (1943–2019) was one of Sweden’s leading ceramic artists in the 20th century. He grew up near Höganäs, a region in southern Sweden famous for its ceramic know-how, and started working in the medium at the age of fifteen. Thell developed an enthusiasm for the medium and gained a mastery glazing from years spent working at the Höganäs Metallurgical Laboratory. After his education and early work years at the Höganäs factory, he started his own studio in the area during the 1970s . Claes became a master of throwing and glazing, leading to unique stoneware pieces with rustic and rough expressions.
Inspired by the local rocky landscape, Thell gave his pieces strong forms, which he adorned with organic appliqué, or random, naturalistic dimples. He often mixed his stoneware clay with iron powder, as well as pursuing the development and experimentation with uranium, zinc, and iron. His enduring interest in Asian art and ceramics was deepened after a tour of Korea in 1991, and thereafter, the influence of eastern cultures is more evident in his pieces.
Claes Thell’s works can be found in several museum collections in Sweden including that of the Swedish National Museum of Art and Design.
Artist: Claes Thell (1943–2019)
Material: Stoneware
Period: 1970’s
Origin: Höganäs, Sweden
Dimensions: Height approx. 21 cm
Condition: Vintage condition, minor glaze damage (see photographs)
Stoneware bottle vase with pale grey reactive glaze and a brown mark, 1970’s . Incised "Cthell" at the bottom.
Claes Thell (1943–2019) was one of Sweden’s leading ceramic artists in the 20th century. He grew up near Höganäs, a region in southern Sweden famous for its ceramic know-how, and started working in the medium at the age of fifteen. Thell developed an enthusiasm for the medium and gained a mastery glazing from years spent working at the Höganäs Metallurgical Laboratory. After his education and early work years at the Höganäs factory, he started his own studio in the area during the 1970s . Claes became a master of throwing and glazing, leading to unique stoneware pieces with rustic and rough expressions.
Inspired by the local rocky landscape, Thell gave his pieces strong forms, which he adorned with organic appliqué, or random, naturalistic dimples. He often mixed his stoneware clay with iron powder, as well as pursuing the development and experimentation with uranium, zinc, and iron. His enduring interest in Asian art and ceramics was deepened after a tour of Korea in 1991, and thereafter, the influence of eastern cultures is more evident in his pieces.
Claes Thell’s works can be found in several museum collections in Sweden including that of the Swedish National Museum of Art and Design.
Artist: Claes Thell (1943–2019)
Material: Stoneware
Period: 1970’s
Origin: Höganäs, Sweden
Dimensions: Height approx. 21 cm
Condition: Vintage condition, minor glaze damage (see photographs)
