NILS THORSSON 1968 For Anton Michelsen Abstract Porcelain Pendant In Sterling Silver
Abstract pendant designed by Nils Thorsson For Anton Michelsen and Royal Copenhagen.
This is a vintage modernist abstract pendant, created in Denmark by Anton Michelsen for the porcelain company of Royal Copenhagen, back in the late 1960's. The pendant is very elegant and artistic and was crafted in the shape of a fish made by the ceramist Nils Thorsson in glazed white porcelain decorated with gold, white and black enamel. Fitted on top with a movable ring made in .925/.999 sterling silver to wear in a chain necklace. This rare fish pendant was produced in very limited quantities in the late 1960’s as part of the ‘Royal Bini’ collection of ceramic jewelry produced by Royal Copenhagen after the acquisition of Georg Jensen. This collection was sold exclusively through the Georg Jensen shop in Copenhagen in the late 1960’s.
Weight: 21.8 Grams, (13.98 Dwt).
Measurements: 60 mm by 75 mm (2.36 x 2.95 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with Danish marks, the maker's mark AM for Anton Michelsen, the mark for the assay of the silver, and signed, as follow; "AM STERLING .925 DENMARK ROYAL COPENHAGEN"
Nils Thorsson
He was born in 1898 in Sweden. He trained at the Technical High School in Copenhagen before joining Royal Copenhagen as an apprentice. He became a major designer for the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Factory from 1912 to 1975 working in the uniquely Danish mode of simplicity and functionalism. With great versatility he was also their most prolific designer of painted patterns for their earthenware products. He went on to become the company's most prolific designer, being appointed Artistic Director between 1928-1969, whilst also doing the same job at Royal Copenhagen from 1949 onwards. He designed some of the company's best known ranges-Solbjerg 1934, Marselis 1953, the Baca series and he encouraged and oversaw the production of the Tenera series by a talented group of young female Scandinavians. He also produced many other prized pieces in high fired glazes such as Solfatara and Clair de Lune
Note: "The Royal Bini was a new jewelry idea created by The Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Manufactory, the ceramists Doreen Middelboe, Bodil Buch, Nils Thorsson and goldsmith Jen Windfeld-Hansen in cooperation with A. MIchelsen's workshops." circa 1968.
Anton Michelsen (1809–1877)
He was born 1809 in Copenhagen Denmark, he completed a goldsmith's apprenticeship in Odense in 1839 before moving back to Copenhagen where he continued his training in Dyrkoph's and court goldsmith J.B. Dalhoff's workshops. He also attended the Royal Danish Academy of Arts where he was influenced by Gustav Friedrich Hersch. In 1836, he went on a long journey abroad, working in some of the leading goldsmiths in Germany and Paris. He established his own goldsmith in Gothersgade, Copenhagen when he returned to Denmark in 1841. He immediately won the attention of the royal family and the king Christian VIII charged him with executing all Danish orders with title of royal court and order jeweler. Michelsen was the only Danish goldsmith who was represented at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1855. The company of A. Michelsen, was a leading Danish jeweler founded in 1841 by Anton Michelsen in Copenhagen. It was responsible for executing all Danish royal orders and was absorbed by the Georg Jensen company in 1985.
Literature: J. Opie, Scandinavian Ceramics and Glass in the Twentieth Century, exhibition catalogue, Victoria & Albert Museum, 1989, Pp. 30, 41-2 and 170 for similar examples.
Collateral: This pendant is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this pendant is very good. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the silver. The porcelain is secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: P092124ENJK/.6129
