A Monumental Work by Jais Nielsen
This exceptional, large stoneware bowl is a unique piece (Unika) created and dated by Jais Nielsen (1885–1961), one of Royal Copenhagen's great master ceramicists. Nielsen was a foundational pioneer of Scandinavian modernism, celebrated for his ability to translate his modernist, Cubist-influenced painting aesthetic into highly dynamic ceramic forms.
 
The Religious Motif
The bowl is decorated with a detailed flat illustration depicting the Biblical figure Moses with the Ten Commandments (in Danish: Moses med lovens tavler). Nielsen often chose religious themes for his ceramics, drawing inspiration from the Bible for his famous sculptural figures and working extensively on ecclesiastical decorations. This powerful motif is rendered with the artist's characteristic strong lines and compelling surface decoration.
 
Authentication and Significance
This piece is a significant collector's item due to its size, motif, and clear provenance. It is authentically signed on the base with the incised JAIS signature, the Royal Copenhagen three-wave mark, and the specific date 20-8-50, confirming it as a studio piece created in August of 1950.
Condition: Presented in excellent vintage condition.
Dimensions (Approximate):
Diameter: 12 1/2 inches (31.5 cm)
Height: 2 inches (5 cm)