Hertha Bengtsson bowl

This ceramic bowl was designed by Hertha Bengtsson and produced by Rörstrand in Sweden during the 1950s. It features a shallow, circular form with a gently curved profile. The exterior and interior rim are finished in a deep cobalt blue glaze with a subtle textured surface. At the center, a hand-painted geometric pattern in black and white presents a radiating floral motif surrounded by a structured arrangement of interlocking circles. The rich blue exterior contrasts with the detailed monochrome interior, highlighting the bowl’s intricate craftsmanship. Over time, the glaze has developed a fine craquelure, adding to its vintage character.

Hertha Bengtsson was a Swedish ceramicist known for her refined, functional designs, often featuring meticulous surface treatments and a restrained color palette. During her tenure at Rörstrand from 1941 to 1964, she gained recognition for her tableware and artistic ceramics. Her work balances modernist principles with traditional Scandinavian craftsmanship.

Rörstrand, founded in 1726, is one of Sweden’s most prominent porcelain manufacturers, known for producing high-quality ceramics. The mid-20th century was a period of innovation at the company, marked by collaborations with designers embracing Scandinavian modernist aesthetics. Bengtsson’s work epitomizes this era’s focus on clean lines, organic influences, and subtle interplay of color and texture.

The bowl embodies mid-century Scandinavian design through its combination of simple elegance and decorative patterns inspired by natural and geometric themes. It measures 17 centimeters in diameter and 4.5 centimeters in height (6.7 x 1.8 inches), making it a compact yet visually striking piece suitable for display or functional use.