Royal Copenhagen, Diana Series by Nils Thorsson, Butterfly Pattern 23cm Bottle Vase. This larger size vase from the Diana series is a stunner - it features a design of butterflies against a background of grasses. The colours and textures of this series are subtle and beautiful. 

The series was in production c1974-1978. It is a satin glazed fajance ceramic, where the design has been silk-screened, and then finished by a decorator - so each example of the same design will have slight variations. 

Approx 23.5cm tall x 8cm wide x 545g. Ovoid in shape. No cracks, chips or anything other than light signs of ageing and use.

The series was named in reference to Diana, the goddess of the wild animals and the hunt and was one of the last designs by Nils for Royal Copenhagen – an ode to nature in ceramic. Each of the shapes and designs in the series features different animals - but the butterflies are amongst my favourites.