Søholm Ceramic Dish — Midnight Relief, Bornholm 1960s

Archive Name

The Midnight Grid

Object Summary

A square ceramic vessel by Søholm Stentøj, Denmark, distinguished by its deep midnight-blue glaze and geometric relief pattern. Originally produced during the height of Danish studio ceramics in the mid-20th century, the piece combines restrained form with a tactile interior surface that catches light and shadow. Reimagined for feline rituals.

Archive Description

Søholm Stentøj of Bornholm became known in the mid-20th century for ceramics that balanced Nordic restraint with bold glaze experimentation. This piece reflects that tradition: a square stoneware dish whose interior reveals a deep cobalt glaze pooled within a hand-pressed geometric pattern.

The repeating triangular relief grid was pressed into the clay before firing, creating a subtle architectural surface beneath the glaze. As the glaze settled during firing, it deepened in the recesses and lightened across the raised geometry — a characteristic effect of Søholm’s reactive glazes.

The exterior is finished in a dark matte glaze that contrasts with the glossy blue interior. The result is a vessel that feels quiet and deliberate: structured, weighty, and grounded.

Marked on the underside with the Søholm castle logo and “DENMARK,” this example dates to approximately the late 1960s to early 1970s — a period when Bornholm ceramics were exported widely and helped define the international reputation of Danish studio pottery.

Suggested Use

Food Vessel

An object originally made for the Danish table now serves a quieter companion. The square geometry and shallow interior make this piece particularly suited for serving wet food or treats.

The wide interior surface allows comfortable eating posture, while the weight of the stoneware keeps the vessel stable during use.

The midnight glaze also creates a subtle visual contrast with lighter foods — turning an ordinary feeding moment into a composed domestic ritual.

Provenance

Denmark, circa 1960s–1970s
Søholm Stentøj, Bornholm

Acquired in Copenhagen.

Condition — Approved by Marx Grade

Archive

Excellent condition with minimal visible signs of age.
No chips, cracks, or structural damage observed.
Glaze intact with natural tonal variation from firing.

Objects of this grade represent pieces preserved with exceptional integrity.

Object Specifications

Maker: Søholm Stentøj
Origin: Bornholm, Denmark
Period: Mid-20th century (circa 1960s–70s)

Material: Glazed stoneware

Dimensions: 12.5 cm × 12.5 cm
Height: 3 cm

Weight: 425 g

What Arrives

Each object is prepared for its next life with care.

Your vessel arrives wrapped in protective wool and paper, housed within a rigid archival box.
Inside you will find:

• The object
• An Approved by Marx archive card
• Care guidance for continued use

Prepared and shipped from Copenhagen.