Signe Persson-Melin bowl

This prototype ceramic bowl, designed by Signe Persson-Melin and produced by Gustavsberg in Sweden during the 1960s, exemplifies a sculptural exploration of openwork texture and form characteristic of Scandinavian mid-century design. Crafted from glazed ceramic in a soft off-white tone with subtle grey undertones, the bowl features a striking lattice pattern composed of tightly arranged, vertically ridged arches. These repeating arches form a scalloped structure that expands toward the rim, creating a tactile and organic visual rhythm.

The bowl’s shape is irregularly rounded, with a broad base that gradually flares outward, producing a voluminous yet airy presence. This balance between structural intricacy and optical lightness highlights the expressive potential of ceramic as a material. As a prototype or limited-production piece, it bears minor surface irregularities and glaze imperfections, which enhance its uniqueness and testify to its handcrafted and experimental origins.

Signe Persson-Melin, born in 1925, is a distinguished Swedish ceramist celebrated for combining functionality with artistic expression. Her work is recognized for its tactile surfaces, architectural clarity, and sculptural form. Educated at the School of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm, Persson-Melin began collaborating with Gustavsberg in the mid-20th century and became a key figure in Sweden’s post-war craft revival.

Gustavsberg, a major Swedish porcelain manufacturer, was renowned for fostering artistic innovation and quality production during this period. The company collaborated with leading designers like Stig Lindberg and Wilhelm Kåge, nurturing a generation of artists who seamlessly blended utility and art.

This bowl reflects mid-century Scandinavian ideals of craft integrated with industrial methods, emphasizing geometric experimentation and formal innovation. The dimensions are 51 cm wide, 40 cm deep, and 33 cm high, approximately 20 inches wide, 15.7 inches deep, and 13 inches high.