A mysterious gentlewoman

Vintage platter with hand-painted gentlewoman illustration by Laila Zink for Finnish manufacturer Kupittaan Savi | H is for Home

This lovely large pottery charger was one of our more interesting finds last week.

Vintage platter with hand-painted gentlewoman illustration | H is for Home

We were wondering how to describe the subject matter. An elegantly dressed gentlewoman we figured – contemplating the day at the tea table with her cut flower and songbird.

Detail of a vintage platter with hand-painted gentlewoman illustration | H is for Home

It’s beautifully hand-painted and despite the piece being signed front and back, the artist was initially a mystery. But after some research, we’ve solved it! It’s the work of Laila Zink (1915-1999) for Finnish manufacturer Kupittaan Savi and dates from the 1950s/60s. It’s always good to keep learning!

Signature on a vintage platter with hand-painted gentlewoman illustration | H is for Home

It measures 36cm x 30cm and has holes to the reverse for hanging. It certainly makes for a very striking piece of midcentury modern wall art. She’ll be coming to our web shop very soon, but first dibs to our blog readers – priced at £175.