The Museum of Danish America in Elk Horn, IA, is thrilled to announce its latest exhibition, Danish Ceramics: Beyond Blue and White, now open and running until April 20, 2026.
Celebrating Danish Ceramics
Spanning over two centuries, this compelling exhibit celebrates the rich heritage of Danish ceramic craftsmanship from 1775 to today.
Visitors can marvel at a stunning collection featuring works from more than forty renowned artists, including Bodil Manz, Jørgen Haugen Sørensen, Alev Siesbye, and Bjørn Wiinblad, along with other iconic figures like Axel Salto and Jais Nielsen.
This exhibition showcases 84 breathtaking pieces, guiding guests through the intriguing timeline of Danish ceramics.
It all begins with the establishment of Royal Copenhagen in 1775, a pivotal moment that intertwined the company with the European cultural elite.
Artifacts from the late 18th and early 19th centuries reveal how Royal Copenhagen thrived by drawing inspiration from local and international artists.
This rich period blurred the lines between fine art and functionality, as exemplified by the exquisite Flora Danica service.
Artistic Evolution and Collaboration
As the exhibition transitions into the Art Nouveau era, it highlights the emergence of Danish studios as pioneers in innovative designs characterized by organic shapes and vibrant colors.
Starting in 1884, studios like Royal Copenhagen, Bing & Grøndahl, and Kähler Keramik found global success, captivating collectors—including the famous American designer Louis Tiffany—with their intricately detailed figurines, which became emblematic of the time.
The narrative progresses into the Danish Modern phase, marked by an explosion of creativity and the rise of independent workshops.
Following the 1925 Paris Exposition, stoneware gained prominence, inspiring a renewed interest in the textures and qualities of glazes and pigments.
Works by Axel Salto, with their glistening organic forms and striking glazes, perfectly encapsulate this period.
Simultaneously, the rustic charm of Palshus studio pieces reflects the raw beauty of handcrafted pottery.
During this time, collaboration flourished among artists, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas and techniques.
Figures like Jais Nielsen and Frode Bahnsen often united on large-scale projects, forming a supportive artistic community that encouraged exploration and innovation.
Contemporary Reflections
However, the landscape of Danish ceramics began to shift in the 1970s as traditional studio models underwent significant changes.
The retirement or passing of key artists signaled a new chapter, with many creators forging their own paths, often working in small teams or solo.
A major turning point occurred in 1984 when Royal Copenhagen merged with Bing & Grøndahl, leading to the closure of numerous workshops by 1993 as they struggled to compete in an increasingly global market.
Yet, even amid the decline of mass production, Danish ceramics found new life.
The exhibition culminates in a celebration of contemporary artists who infuse fresh ideas into their craft.
This final section showcases works that resonate with the principles and aesthetics of previous generations.
Innovators like Bodil Manz and Jørgen Haugen Sørensen meld traditional techniques with modern concepts, creating art that transcends utility.
Manz’s delicate porcelain captivates through its interplay of light and color, while Haugen Sørensen’s robust sculptures explore the profound relationship between human expression and clay.
Danish Ceramics: Beyond Blue and White invites viewers to delve into the profound cultural legacy and artistic brilliance of Danish ceramics.
The carefully curated pieces engage visitors in contemplating what makes this art form uniquely Danish, even amid a backdrop of international influences.
For instance, a cream jug from the 1790s, showcasing a distinct traditional color, finds its modern reflection in a 1917 vase that intentionally mimics that same hue, further connected by Sandra DaVolio’s White Frills from 2006.
These thoughtful pairings across eras reveal a rich dialogue of ideas that has persisted through time, emphasizing Danish ceramics not as an isolated tradition, but as one intricately tied to its historical narrative.
The Museum of Danish America is dedicated to celebrating and preserving Danish culture in the United States, housing a diverse collection of over 30,000 artifacts, photographs, and documents that illuminate the immigrant journey and the evolving identity of Danish-Americans.
Since its opening in 1994 in Elk Horn, Iowa, the museum has attracted audiences from across the nation, forging connections from coast to coast, from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles, California.
Adam Bierstedt
Albert Ravenholt Curator of Danish-American Culture
info@danishmuseum.org
The Museum of Danish America
2212 Washington St
Elk Horn, IA 51531
United States
Photographs are courtesy of the museum.
Source: Ceramicsnow