Ystad Brons bowl

This large decorative bronze bowl, produced by Ystad Brons in Sweden during the 1950s, is a striking example of mid-century Scandinavian metalwork. Executed entirely in cast bronze, the piece blends classical sculptural themes with modernist material restraint, characteristic of the period’s decorative arts.

The bowl itself is wide and shallow, with a smooth, continuous curvature. Its surface displays a gradient patina that shifts from a golden-bronze hue at the upper rim to a deeper, darker tone toward the base. This nuanced coloration emphasizes the form’s gentle transitions and highlights the material’s natural aging process. The rim is sharply defined yet softly finished, contributing to the bowl’s elegant and contained presence.

Supporting the bowl is a cast bronze figure of a mermaid, rendered in a stylized yet clearly figurative form. The figure kneels in a backward arch, with the tail curved beneath and the arms raised above the head to cradle the bowl. The mermaid is sculpted in the round, and the surface treatment is organic and subdued, avoiding overt ornamentation in favor of flowing anatomical lines and subtle textural variation. This handling reflects the broader Scandinavian tendency to integrate mythological or symbolic forms into functional objects without excessive decorative excess.

The entire composition rests on a square bronze base with chamfered edges and four discreet pads at the corners, slightly elevating the object while ensuring stability. The base is finished in a consistent patina that harmonizes with the upper structure. The underside bears the stamp “Ystad Brons, Sweden,” confirming its origin from the Ystad Brons foundry, known for its high-quality art bronze castings and decorative objects. While the designer of this piece remains unidentified, its subject matter and execution are consistent with Ystad Brons’ production during the mid-20th century, which often drew upon neoclassical and mythological imagery rendered in simplified modernist form.

The object is in good vintage condition, exhibiting signs of age and patina typical for cast bronze, including areas of surface oxidation. These changes enhance the depth and character of the metal without affecting its structural integrity.

The piece measures 28.5 cm in diameter and 25.5 cm in height (approximately 11.2 inches by 10 inches). It stands as a refined and sculptural work, representative of Sweden’s mid-century bronze tradition, combining functional design with symbolic form in a unified aesthetic expression.