Large tray

This large ceramic tray embodies the spirit of mid-century Scandinavian modernism through its sinuous, biomorphic silhouette. Measuring 42 cm in both width and depth, with a modest height of 7.5 cm, the piece unfolds like a frozen splash of liquid clay. Its free-form contour is defined by smooth, undulating curves that extend asymmetrically, creating an organic interplay of positive and negative space across the profile. The tray’s flowing outline suggests movement and spontaneity, while its substantial scale anchors it as a sculptural focal point in any setting.

Fired in high-temperature stoneware, the tray is covered in a soft, matte off-white glaze that carries a subtle ivory undertone. The glaze application is even yet tactile, lending the surface a gentle, velvet-like quality. Along the rim and shallow interior basin, faint tool marks and gentle variations in glaze thickness hint at a hand-built or carefully cast production method. The unglazed underside reveals the light beige clay body, whose raw texture contrasts with the glazed upper surface and reinforces the piece’s earthy authenticity.

Although no designer signature or factory mark is present, the tray’s sculptural language aligns with anonymous workshop pieces produced in Sweden during the 1960s. This period saw many small studios and ceramics collectives experimenting with organic forms and rejecting rigid geometry in favor of shapes inspired by nature’s fluidity. The tray’s biomorphic contours and understated color palette reflect this ethos, marrying functional utility with expressive form.

In terms of condition, the tray is in very good vintage state. The matte glaze shows only minimal surface wear—light scuffs and faint handling marks—consistent with decades of gentle use. There are no chips, cracks, or repairs, and the recessed base has been fitted with protective felt pads to prevent abrasion on delicate surfaces. These discrete additions demonstrate thoughtful care while preserving the tray’s original design integrity.

As both a serving piece and an artful object, this ceramic tray captures the mid-century Scandinavian fascination with harmonizing craft, material, and form. Its sweeping organic shape and quiet, ivory-toned finish make it equally suited for display on a coffee table or as a functional centerpiece, offering a tangible link to the period’s experimental yet refined ceramic production.