Mikael Schilkin (1900-1962) was an esteemed Russian-born Finnish designer and ceramist, whose innovative work in the mid-20th century significantly influenced Scandinavian ceramic art. Schilkin is most celebrated for his tenure at Arabia, the famed Finnish pottery company, where his mastery of detailed animal figurines and textured, lifelike ceramics garnered widespread acclaim. Among his most notable creations are the "Forest Series" figurines, which captured the essence of Nordic wildlife with remarkable realism and artistic finesse. Schilkin's contribution to ceramic design is characterized by his exceptional skill in capturing the nuances of nature.

Arabia

Stoneware, glazed.
Unsigned.

Provenance: 
The sculpture is a gift from Michael Schilkin to Arabia's artistic director Kurt Ekholm. The fabled beast is a caricature of the then managing director Carl-Gustaf Herlitz.

Literature: 
Tuija Tervo, et al., 'Michael Schilkin: 1900-1962', Helsinki, 1996, p. 48, this example illustrated

Ceramics

Sculpture

Stoneware.
Signed to underside 'M. Schilkin'.

Polar Bear Sculpture

Ceramic bowl with running glaze. Manufacturers and artist signature. Dated - 42.