Posted 4 years ago
directorch…
(4 items)
This pair of figures is made of terra-cotta like ceramic, which one can see in its raw orange state as the pieces are hollow and the base is open. The glazing is matte brown, which makes them look like chocolate. Decorations are either painted or glazed. Theory 1: These remind me of early design work at Disney, especially "It's a Small World After All", and the designer Mary Blair. Perhaps they are from that era? Theory 2: Possibly made by Japanese immigrants to Peru, since the armless forms are mindful of Kokeshi, but the costumes seem Meso-American? Theory 3: Possible mid-century pieces from Scandinavia, perhaps a ceramic artist from Sweden, since they seem similar to be pieces from that era? Any ideas??? The Male is: Height: 34.29 cm. • Width: 17.145 cm. • Depth: 7.62 cm.
they kind of remind me of figures by Bjorn Winblad. maybe Scandinavian?
I came across his name, but didn't see these figures in any of his works. But it's one of the reasons why I think they might be Scandinavian. The folk costumes seem to be Meso-American (Mayan or Aztec) but certainly not "historic". More of a fantasy, not unlike figures made in Sweden in the 1960s and 1970s. But I can't find these anywhere. Kind of driving me crazy!