Vintage Royal Copenhagen Tenera Bird Vase by Marianne Johanson 217/3102

A wonderfully imaginative piece of Danish modern design, this vintage Royal Copenhagen Tenera fajance vase features one of the series’ most striking and theatrical compositions: an extraordinary stylized bird surrounded by oversized flowers, abstract foliage, geometric forms, and jewel-like color.

Designed by Swedish artist Marianne Johanson, the vase is identified on the underside with her large handwritten “MJ” monogram, the Royal Copenhagen crown and three-wave FAJANCE factory mark, and the pattern and form number 217/3102.

The decoration is exceptional. Against a warm creamy ground, an elongated fantastical bird sweeps across the face of the vase with a dramatic black crest, long slender legs and a richly patterned body. Beside it, an enormous abstract flower explodes in shades of turquoise, cobalt blue, plum, aubergine, brown, chartreuse, pale green and soft yellow, surrounded by delicate botanical tendrils and miniature geometric blossoms.

A circular wheel-like motif near the center adds another layer of graphic detail, giving the composition the almost dreamlike quality for which the Tenera series has become so recognizable.

The flattened moon-flask form is equally distinctive. Measuring approximately 5.5 inches high but only 1.25 inches deep, the vase has a beautifully sculptural profile with a rounded body, short cylindrical neck, and small foot. The narrow depth allows it to display beautifully on a bookshelf, mantel, console, or within a collected grouping of Scandinavian ceramics.

The sides, neck and foot are finished in a deep mottled aubergine-purple and blue glaze, providing a dramatic contrast to the pale decorated face. Subtle variations within the glaze enhance the handmade character of the piece.

The celebrated Tenera collection was created at Royal Copenhagen under the artistic direction of Nils Thorsson and became one of the most recognizable expressions of mid-century Scandinavian ceramic design. Marianne Johanson was among the young Scandinavian women whose bold, experimental surface designs gave the collection its distinctive modern character.

This example dates to approximately 1969–1973, following the transition from Aluminia branding to the Royal Copenhagen Fajance mark.

With its fantastical bird, abstract botanical imagery, rich jewel-tone palette and unmistakably modern form, this vase bridges Scandinavian Modern restraint with wonderfully exuberant, almost surreal decoration—making it especially appealing for Eclectic Whimsy interiors.

Perfect for Scandinavian Modern, Mid-Century Modern, maximalist, botanical, Danish modern, collected eclectic, art pottery, and colorful vintage interiors.

Origin: Denmark
Date: Circa 1969–1973
Maker: Royal Copenhagen
Collection: Tenera
Designer: Marianne Johanson
Design / Decoration Number: 217
Form Number: 3102
Material: Glazed fajance / earthenware
Style: Danish Modern / Scandinavian Modern / Mid-Century Modern / Art Pottery
Colors: Cream, aubergine, plum, cobalt blue, turquoise, brown, black, chartreuse, pale green, yellow
Dimensions: Approx. 5.5" H × 4.25" W × 1.25" D
Weight: Approx. 0.68 lb
Function: Decorative vase / art pottery / collectible Scandinavian ceramic

Condition: Very good vintage condition with light age-related wear consistent with its approximately 50-year age. The hand-decorated bird and botanical design remains vivid, crisp and beautifully preserved. The deep aubergine and blue glaze shows natural mottling and subtle glaze variation, with light crazing or surface irregularities characteristic of vintage fajance. Minor wear is present around the unglazed foot rim from display and use. No major chips, cracks or repairs observed. The underside retains the Royal Copenhagen Fajance factory mark, Marianne Johanson “MJ” signature, pattern number 217, form number 3102, and decorator’s mark. Please review photos closely as they form an important part of the condition description.

A fabulous example of Royal Copenhagen’s Tenera series that feels part Scandinavian modernism and part miniature fantasy world — graphic, colorful, collectible, and wonderfully Eclectic Whimsy.