Identification
Photo reference
4 uploaded photos
Overview
The piece is definitively identified by the hand-painted signature 'Bjørn Wiinblad', the date '-56', and his characteristic self-portrait doodle on the reverse, confirming it as an original studio work rather than a mass-produced factory piece (e. g., Nymølle or Rosenthal).
Story
Bjørn Wiinblad (1918–2006) was a highly influential Danish artist and designer known for his whimsical, intricate, and often romanticized figures. This piece is an original studio work ('unika'), created and painted by Wiinblad himself in 1956, rather than a mass-produced design licensed to a factory. The reverse bears his characteristic signature, the date, and a playful self-portrait doodle, which are definitive markers of his personal studio output. The market for Bjørn Wiinblad is highly bifurcated.
Maker / Origin
Bjørn Wiinblad
Condition & Value
The primary value detractor for this piece is a visible chip on the right rim edge (approximately the 3 o'clock position). In the fine ceramics market, rim chips on display pieces significantly impact desirability and secondary market value.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
The market for Bjørn Wiinblad is highly bifurcated. Mass-produced factory wares (such as those for Nymølle or Rosenthal) trade for modest sums, while his original, hand-painted studio ceramics ('unika') command significant premiums. Early works from the 1940s and 1950s are particularly sought after by Scandinavian modern collectors. However, the market is extremely condition-sensitive; structural damage like chips or cracks drastically reduces auction outcomes, often relegating pieces to the lower hundreds unless professionally restored.
▲ Definitive original studio piece ('unika') hand-signed and dated 1956 by Bjørn Wiinblad.
▲ Monumental scale at 56 cm (22 inches) diameter, making it a significant display work.
▲ Authenticating self-portrait doodle on the verso confirms personal execution.
▲ Features Wiinblad's highly desirable whimsical female portrait motif.
▼ Visible rim chip at 3 o'clock severely limits the current auction ceiling.
▼ Unverified structural integrity — any hidden hairlines radiating from the chip would further depress value.
▼ High cost of professional, invisible ceramic restoration may outweigh the immediate value lift for a reseller.
Best Venue
Given the piece's monumental size and early date, consult a professional ceramics conservator to quote a repair for the rim chip before selling. If restored invisibly, the piece should be offered through a specialized Scandinavian design auction house (such as Bruun Rasmussen) to maximize return. If selling as-is, list with clear, magnified photos of the chip to avoid post-sale disputes, expecting bids in the lower auction tier.
Upside Potential
If the rim chip is professionally and invisibly restored by a qualified conservator, and the piece is placed in a specialized Scandinavian design auction, the value could shift toward the $2,000–$4,000+ retail tier observed for intact early studio works.
Also found — market-range context
Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.