Vintage Studio Pottery Stoneware Vase with Jun-Style Glaze by Rolf Palm, 1991

A striking and highly expressive unique stoneware vase by the renowned Swedish ceramicist Rolf Palm (1930–2018). Hand-thrown at his studio in Mölle in 1991, this elegant cabinet-sized piece features a perfectly balanced, bulbous form with a gently defined neck and rim. This vase is elevated by Palm's masterful and experimental approach to glazing. It features a tranquil, misty blue-grey ground that serves as a canvas for a bold, sweeping abstract motif. The dynamic, swirling decoration in deep plum purple and rich, golden-brown ochre gives the piece a remarkably organic and almost cosmic presence. Notably, this exceptional glaze effect bears a striking resemblance to classical Chinese Jun (Chün) ware from the Song and Ming dynasties. Much like those revered antique ceramics, Palm’s vase showcases a brilliant transmutation glaze, contrasting a thick, opalescent blue ground with vivid, spontaneous copper-purple splashes. The high-gloss finish beautifully captures the fluidity of the glaze application, bridging ancient Eastern traditions with late 20th-century Scandinavian modernism. The underside is clearly incised with the artist's signature and location: "Palm Mölle -91", alongside an incised "W" and a painted inventory or exhibition number "94". The unglazed base ring reveals the high-quality stoneware clay body, dotted with characteristic iron spots from the firing process. This is a vibrant, museum-quality example of Swedish studio ceramics. DETAILS Creator: Rolf Palm Design Period: 1990 to 1999 Year of Production: 1991 Country of Manufacture: Sweden Identifying Marks: Incised signature on the base "Palm Mölle -91" Style: Mid-Century Modern / Scandinavian Modern (Later Studio Period) Materials: Stoneware, Glaze Color: Blue, Grey, Purple, Brown/Ochre DIMENSIONS Height: 10.5 cm (4.13 in) Diameter: 9.5 cm (3.74 in)