{"product_id":"vintage-royal-copenhagen-tenera-bird-vase-by-marianne-johanson-217-3102","title":"Vintage Royal Copenhagen Tenera Bird Vase by Marianne Johanson 217\/3102","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eA wonderfully imaginative piece of Danish modern design, this vintage \u003cstrong\u003eRoyal Copenhagen Tenera fajance vase\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned by Swedish artist \u003cstrong\u003eMarianne Johanson\u003c\/strong\u003e, the vase is identified on the underside with her large handwritten \u003cstrong\u003e“MJ” monogram\u003c\/strong\u003e, the Royal Copenhagen crown and three-wave \u003cstrong\u003eFAJANCE\u003c\/strong\u003e factory mark, and the pattern and form number \u003cstrong\u003e217\/3102\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 \u003cstrong\u003eturquoise, cobalt blue, plum, aubergine, brown, chartreuse, pale green and soft yellow\u003c\/strong\u003e, surrounded by delicate botanical tendrils and miniature geometric blossoms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA circular wheel-like motif near the center adds another layer of graphic detail, giving the composition the almost dreamlike quality for which the \u003cstrong\u003eTenera series\u003c\/strong\u003e has become so recognizable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flattened \u003cstrong\u003emoon-flask form\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sides, neck and foot are finished in a deep mottled \u003cstrong\u003eaubergine-purple and blue glaze\u003c\/strong\u003e, providing a dramatic contrast to the pale decorated face. Subtle variations within the glaze enhance the handmade character of the piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe celebrated \u003cstrong\u003eTenera collection\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example dates to approximately \u003cstrong\u003e1969–1973\u003c\/strong\u003e, following the transition from Aluminia branding to the Royal Copenhagen Fajance mark.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its fantastical bird, abstract botanical imagery, rich jewel-tone palette and unmistakably modern form, this vase bridges \u003cstrong\u003eScandinavian Modern restraint with wonderfully exuberant, almost surreal decoration\u003c\/strong\u003e—making it especially appealing for Eclectic Whimsy interiors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerfect for \u003cstrong\u003eScandinavian Modern, Mid-Century Modern, maximalist, botanical, Danish modern, collected eclectic, art pottery, and colorful vintage interiors\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Denmark\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Circa 1969–1973\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Royal Copenhagen\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCollection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tenera\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDesigner:\u003c\/strong\u003e Marianne Johanson\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDesign \/ Decoration Number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 217\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForm Number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3102\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Glazed fajance \/ earthenware\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStyle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Danish Modern \/ Scandinavian Modern \/ Mid-Century Modern \/ Art Pottery\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColors:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cream, aubergine, plum, cobalt blue, turquoise, brown, black, chartreuse, pale green, yellow\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approx. 5.5\" H × 4.25\" W × 1.25\" D\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approx. 0.68 lb\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decorative vase \/ art pottery \/ collectible Scandinavian ceramic\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fabulous example of Royal Copenhagen’s Tenera series that feels part Scandinavian modernism and part miniature fantasy world — graphic, colorful, collectible, and wonderfully \u003cstrong\u003eEclectic Whimsy\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Eclectic Whimsy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54545824612662,"sku":"AH1255","price":148.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0896\/9155\/4102\/files\/royalcopenhagenbirdvase_5.jpg?v=1789143986","url":"https:\/\/eclecticwhimsydecor.com\/products\/vintage-royal-copenhagen-tenera-bird-vase-by-marianne-johanson-217-3102","provider":"Eclectic Whimsy Decor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}