This hand-painted vase is a standout example of the Tenera series, one of the most influential ceramic collaborations of the mid-20th century. Launched in the late 1950s by art director Nils Thorsson, the Tenera line brought together six young female designers from across Scandinavia to revitalize Danish pottery. Moving away from formal porcelain, these artists were given total creative freedom to experiment with Fajance (tin-glazed earthenware), resulting in a "folk-modern" aesthetic that redefined the Royal Copenhagen brand.
This "Pillow Vase" (Shape 3121) features the iconic botanical motif designed by Norwegian ceramicist Grethe Helland-Hansen. The deep indigo and cobalt "blueberry" patterns are hand-painted, ensuring that no two pieces are exactly alike. The design is celebrated for its rich, buttery glaze and its successful marriage of traditional European craftsmanship with the bold, graphic energy of the 1960s.
This piece bears the original Aluminia "A" mark, identifying it as an early production piece from the mid-1960s. Aluminia was the specialized earthenware workshop of Royal Copenhagen; pieces bearing this mark are particularly prized by collectors as they represent the original, small-batch run of the Tenera line before the brands fully merged in 1969.
Made of ceramic.
Measurements
Height: 190 mm / 7.5"
Width: 150 mm / 5.9"
Condition Notes
Excellent vintage condition with some light crazing..
See it in person.
If you’d like to schedule a private viewing of this piece or need our help with a broader search for something specific, let’s start the hunt. Reach out to discuss our sourcing services or to visit the showroom.
This hand-painted vase is a standout example of the Tenera series, one of the most influential ceramic collaborations of the mid-20th century. Launched in the late 1950s by art director Nils Thorsson, the Tenera line brought together six young female designers from across Scandinavia to revitalize Danish pottery. Moving away from formal porcelain, these artists were given total creative freedom to experiment with Fajance (tin-glazed earthenware), resulting in a "folk-modern" aesthetic that redefined the Royal Copenhagen brand.
This "Pillow Vase" (Shape 3121) features the iconic botanical motif designed by Norwegian ceramicist Grethe Helland-Hansen. The deep indigo and cobalt "blueberry" patterns are hand-painted, ensuring that no two pieces are exactly alike. The design is celebrated for its rich, buttery glaze and its successful marriage of traditional European craftsmanship with the bold, graphic energy of the 1960s.
This piece bears the original Aluminia "A" mark, identifying it as an early production piece from the mid-1960s. Aluminia was the specialized earthenware workshop of Royal Copenhagen; pieces bearing this mark are particularly prized by collectors as they represent the original, small-batch run of the Tenera line before the brands fully merged in 1969.
Made of ceramic.
Measurements
Height: 190 mm / 7.5"
Width: 150 mm / 5.9"
Condition Notes
Excellent vintage condition with some light crazing..
See it in person.
If you’d like to schedule a private viewing of this piece or need our help with a broader search for something specific, let’s start the hunt. Reach out to discuss our sourcing services or to visit the showroom.
