Data: Signed; Orrefors, Ariel nr 2132 II, Hald”. The “II” probably stands for “inferior quality”, and if so, this is probably motivated by the line in the base.
Exhibited; Not exhibited
Provenance; Bought at Swedish auction.
The piece. Read the books written on Orrefors and its history [including mine], and you will learn that Gate and Hald stayed away from Ariel-making, somewhat leaving this “new technique” to the two new guys on the block [Lindstrand & Öhrström]. This little bowl proves us all wrong. This not particularly beautiful bowl, which carries the name of Edward Hald, is, as far as I know, the only Ariel by Hald ever to reach the market and possibly the only one ever made. The bowl has an uncoloured line across its base, something that can hardly have been placed there intentionally.