Laholm Keramik - Wall plate - red clay with sgraffito technique

Laholm Keramik – large hand-painted sgraffito wall plate with heron motif – Sweden – ca. 1953–1960

This exceptional wall plate was made by Laholm Keramik, a renowned Swedish ceramic studio that grew out of the centuries-old pottery tradition of the town of Laholm in Halland County.

Under the leadership of brothers Olof and Nils Larsson, the family business developed from the mid-1940s into one of the most esteemed producers of artistic studio ceramics in Sweden. During the heyday in the 1950s, Laholm Keramik collaborated with several leading designers and decorators, including Jane Wålstedt, Kirsten Sejer-Pedersen and later Illa Sahlé-Sönnerstam, each contributing significantly to the distinctive artistic character of the studio.

The wall plate offered here is a beautiful example of the high-quality craftsmanship for which Laholm Keramik is known internationally. The subject depicts an elegant heron in a moody marsh landscape, surrounded by reeds, aquatic plants and blooming vegetation. The composition reflects a strong connection to Swedish nature and seamlessly aligns with the organic form language characteristic of Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern.

The decoration is executed in the characteristic sgraffito technique, with fine lines hand-engraved into a light glaze down to the red-burning clay. The motif is then carefully hand-painted in a harmonious palette of olive green, turquoise, yellow, ochre, soft pink and black. This labor-intensive process gives the relief a special depth, lively texture and refined graphic lines, making each piece a unique handmade artwork.

The back bears the original Laholm Keramik factory stamp, Sweden, as well as a hand-etched workshop code applied while the clay was still soft in the production process. These marks emphasize the authenticity and artisanal character of the object.

Thanks to its generous size, refined execution and timeless form, this wall plate is a notable collector’s item for lovers of Scandinavian design, Swedish studio ceramics and Mid-Century Modern. It is designed as a wall decoration, but also looks superb on a display stand.

Maker: Laholm Keramik
Origin: Laholm, Halland, Sweden
Period: Circa 1953–1960
Material: Red-burning clay, white glaze, hand-painted sgraffito

Dimensions
- Length: 32.5 cm
- Width: 21.5 cm
- Height: 6.0 cm

Weight: 1155 g

The wall plate is in excellent vintage condition. There are no chips, cracks or restorations. The glazes are bright, the colors are beautifully preserved, and the relief is sharp and neatly executed.

The object will be carefully packaged and sent via registered mail, fully insured and with Track & Trace, via Smart Shipping.