A spectacular and highly collectible piece of Danish Art Nouveau ceramic art. This rare sculpture and bowl, model 274, was designed by prominent Danish sculptor Aage Edwin Nielsen (1898-1985) for the prestigious P. Ipsen's Enke studio.
The Story of the Design This expressive stoneware piece captures a pivotal moment from Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories, specifically "The Elephant's Child" (or How the Elephant Got His Trunk). The sculpture depicts the young elephant struggling with the crocodile, which has seized his nose and is pulling it into the famous long trunk. This literary connection adds tremendous charm and collectible value.
Key Features:
Designer: Aage Edwin Nielsen, one of Denmark's notable 20th-century sculptors.
Manufacturer: P. Ipsen's Enke (Ipsen's Widow), a Royal Court Terracotta Factory (1843-1955) renowned for its Art Nouveau and Art Deco designs and collaborations with famous artists like Axel Salto and Georg Jensen.
Glaze: Features a vibrant, highly desirable yellow/orange and brown matte glaze—a characteristic style of Ipsen's Enke's Dekorativglasur (Decorative Glaze) from this period.
Function: Designed as a decorative sculpture but functions as a small bowl or vide-poche.
Dimensions & Marks:
Height: 5.5 inches (14 cm)
Width: 13 inches (33 cm)
Depth: 5 inches (13 cm)
Signed: 'Aage Nielsen' inscribed on the side.
Hallmarked: 'IE monogram 274' stamped on the bottom (IE monogram was used post-1918).
Condition: Excellent vintage condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs.
"Note for US Buyers: The item price and shipping cost are inclusive of all customs duties and tariffs (DDP). No extra fees upon delivery!"