P. Ipsens Enke Denmark, Dekorativglasur

P. Ipsens Enke Denmark, Dekorativglasur  

Below are 2 pieces of P. Ipsen’s Enke Pottery I purchased some time ago. Until I saw these pieces in person, I thought this style was far too garish and brightly coloured.

However in real life the colours are more subtle and elegant, and the quality of the pieces (even though slipcast) really comes through. My favourites in this style are the multi handled vases like the one pictured with its sweeping Art Nouveau curves and styling.

This glaze colour and style is known as “Dekorativglasur” (Decorative Glaze) and is the style that this Danish Pottery is probably most recognised by.

Ipsen’s Pottery established in 1843 by potter Rasmus Peter Ipsen (1815-60) from Bornholm. Peter died early and his widow Louise Ipsen continued what her husband had started – and the factory became known as Ipsens Enke (Ipsen’s Widow). Their eldest son Bertel Ipsen (1846-1917) who also became a potter took over the running of the pottery in 1865.

Bertel Ipsen is the one who developed this blended and brightly coloured matte glaze referred to as “Dekorativglasur “ around 1910. It became hugely popular, and continues to be popular to this day amongst collectors – although it seems to be better known outside of Denmark these days.

Many iconic Danish potters and designers started off or worked for periods at Ipsen’s, including Axel Salto, Axel Sorensen, Georg Jensen, Just Andersen, Bode Willumsen, Arne Bang, Johannes Hedegaard just to name a few.

The pottery continued operating until 1955.

You can read more informative entries about about Ipsen’s on these sites:

http://20thcenturyceramics.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/bowl-p-ipsens-enke-1910-1920.html
and

http://www.ceramicstoday.com/articles/danish_ceramics4.htm

Group of P. Ipsens Enke Dekorativglasur pieces – Photo courtesy Lauritz.com Auctions, Denmark.

The first two pieces above have the PIE/Crown backstamp used 1918-1955. Several factory marks were used including P.I (1843-50) P. Ipsen(1850-70) P.Ipsen eneret (Exclusive) (1871-1917) P.I.E. (with a crown)(1918-55). Occasionally the artists initials in addition. The goldfish design above is by Axel Sorensen and was used on several forms, including a tumbler like form. Some pieces by Axel Sorensen will have an AS stamp as well as the “pie” stamp, others not.