Kai Nielsen sculpture

This large-scale sculpture titled Nina på kuglen (“Nina on the Ball”) or En lille globetrotter (“A Little Globetrotter”) was designed by the Danish sculptor Kai Nielsen and produced by Kähler Keramik in Denmark during the 1920s. Crafted from unglazed earthenware, the piece retains a soft, matte texture with a natural, flesh-toned surface characteristic of Kähler’s ceramics from that era.

The sculpture depicts a small child standing with one foot on a smooth sphere, supported by a three-tier pyramidal base. The child’s pose, with fists playfully raised near the face and a dynamic weight shift, balances vulnerability with confidence. Nielsen’s hallmark anatomical precision and expressive yet idealized treatment of the human figure are evident in the detailed limbs, facial features, and rounded belly.

The unglazed terracotta surface has developed a natural patina over a century, showing minor abrasions, subtle discoloration, and traces of soiling within the recesses, consistent with age but free of structural damage or repairs. The base’s underside bears tooling marks, the artist’s incised monogram, and evidence of hand-formed craftsmanship, preserving the piece’s authenticity and artistic provenance.

Kai Nielsen (1882–1924) was a pivotal figure in early 20th-century Danish sculpture, celebrated for his sensuous, expressive figuration. His partnership with Kähler translated his sculptural ideals into ceramic editions that blended classical form with modern intimacy. Kähler’s production maintained a high level of craftsmanship and fidelity to Nielsen’s artistic vision.

The sculpture measures 30.5 cm wide, 27 cm deep, and 80 cm high (approximately 12 x 10.6 x 31.5 inches). It stands as a rare and significant example of early Scandinavian figural ceramics, embodying the convergence of classical sculpture and Danish modernist expression.