An exceptionally rare and impressive centerpiece bowl/vessel from the heart of the Danish Art Nouveau movement, known locally as Skønvirke. Designed and modeled by Hans Ancher Wolffsen (1870-1924) for Søholm Stentøj in Rønne, Bornholm, this piece dates to the 1890s—an age confirmed by a surviving period photo from the factory's own stock.
 
Wolffsen inherited the co-ownership and served as artistic director at Søholm from 1887, where his rigorous training as a ceramicist (at Søholm itself) and later as a painter and sculptor (at the Art Academy in Copenhagen) elevated the factory's artistic output. This centerpiece is a superb example of the high artistic level achieved during his tenure.
 
The true collector value of this piece is amplified by Wolffsen’s subsequent career. After selling Søholm in 1908, he ascended to the role of artistic director at both the prestigious Bing & Grøndahl and later the Royal Porcelain Factory (Royal Copenhagen). Works from his foundational Søholm period are scarce and highly important to the history of Danish ceramic art.
 
Condition: This rare artifact is in very good antique condition. The piece is undamaged. The lines visible in the base (as shown in Picture 8) are characteristic original production marks that were covered by the glaze during firing and are not considered damage.
 
Specifications:
Artist/Designer: Hans Ancher Wolffsen (H.A.W.)
Maker: Søholm Keramik (Søholm Stentøj), Bornholm, Denmark
Style: Art Nouveau / Skønvirke / Jugendstil
Period: Circa 1890s
Dimensions:
Height: 10½​ inches (26.5 cm)
Width/Diameter: 13 inches (32.5 cm)