Wilhelm Kåge bowl

This rare Farsta ceramic bowl, designed by Wilhelm Kåge and produced by Gustavsberg in Sweden during the 1950s, is an outstanding example of mid-century Scandinavian studio ceramics. As part of the celebrated Farsta series, the bowl embodies Kåge’s commitment to blending sculptural form with utilitarian function, while exploring the expressive possibilities of stoneware and glaze.

Crafted from dense, high-fired stoneware, the bowl is notable for its tactile and visual complexity. The exterior is decorated with diagonally carved ridges that wrap around the body in an energetic, rhythmic pattern. These ridges give the surface a dynamic, sculptural texture, reinforcing the bowl’s handmade character and contributing to its bold physical presence.

The glaze is applied in a layered, variegated manner, producing a rich palette of earthy brown tones, olive green washes, and lighter beige accents. These glazes interact with the relief surface, pooling in recesses and thinning over high points to reveal subtle tonal shifts. The result is an organic surface that reflects the natural world, a quality central to the Farsta series and to Kåge’s artistic philosophy.

The form itself is well-balanced and refined. The wide, rounded body offers a generous volume, while a slightly asymmetrical rim adds an element of spontaneity and hand-formed individuality. The bowl rests on a central pedestal base, which provides elevation and stability, as well as emphasizing the sculptural profile of the piece.

In contrast to the textured and glazed exterior, the interior is smooth and understated, finished in a more subdued tone that enhances the bowl’s functional potential while allowing the exterior to maintain visual dominance.

The dimensions are 17 cm in length, 13.5 cm in width, and 10 cm in height (approximately 6.7 × 5.3 × 3.9 inches), making it a medium-sized object suitable for display or practical use.

The bowl is in excellent vintage condition with no visible chips, cracks, or repairs. Its surfaces are well preserved, retaining both the vibrancy of the glaze and the clarity of the sculptural details.

Wilhelm Kåge (1889–1960), a leading figure in Swedish decorative arts, was the artistic director of Gustavsberg from 1917 until the late 1940s. While initially known for his contributions to industrial design and functionalist tableware, it was through his later studio work—particularly the Farsta series—that Kåge explored more expressive, individualized ceramic forms. Named after the Farsta atelier within the Gustavsberg factory, this series was produced in very limited numbers and is highly regarded for its rich glazes, experimental surfaces, and sculptural forms.

This Farsta bowl is a highly collectible and beautifully preserved example of Kåge’s studio work—bridging artistic experimentation with timeless material presence.