Arne & Jacob Bang vase

This very rare ceramic vase was designed by Danish brothers Arne and Jacob Bang and produced in Denmark in 1947. The form and glaze reflect the refined craftsmanship and experimental spirit that characterized mid-century Scandinavian studio ceramics. Executed in stoneware, the vase features a full-bodied, ovoid form that tapers into a narrow, flared neck with a small mouth opening, emphasizing verticality and proportion. The profile is well-balanced and symmetrical, creating a strong sculptural presence.

The surface is decorated in a complex layered glaze in shades of green, ochre, and deep brown. The glaze application results in a tactile, organic texture with cascading, lava-like drips that create a rhythmic vertical flow down the body. These textured effects are likely the result of high-temperature reduction firing techniques, which allow for dynamic chemical interactions during the kiln process. The base of the vase is signed “Jacob” and marked with the monogram and the year “47” indicating Jacob Bang as the ceramicist behind this particular work.

The dimensions are 20 centimeters in diameter (7.9 inches) and 25 centimeters in height (9.8 inches). The condition is excellent, with no visible chips or restoration. The glaze shows intentional variation, consistent with the handcrafted nature of studio pottery from this period.

Jacob Bang was among the pioneers of Danish functionalist design, originally trained as an architect before turning to glass and ceramics. Arne Bang, his brother, was a leading sculptor and ceramic artist associated with Holmegaard and later with his own studio. This vase exemplifies their combined legacy of sculptural clarity, innovative glazing, and restrained Nordic expressionism. As a piece dated to the immediate post-war period, it reflects a time of renewal in Danish applied arts and remains a collector’s item for those interested in Scandinavian ceramics.