Lot 227: Szilasi Visby Stoneware Gotland Sheep Figurine

Description

This charming stoneware sheep figurine is stamped "Visby" on the underside of one leg, marking it as the work of a studio ceramicist working in Visby, the historic medieval town on the Swedish island of Gotland. The deeply incised, striated coat pattern and warm grey-brown tones read as a stylized nod to the distinctive Gotland sheep (Gutefår), a heritage breed native to the island prized for its striking curly, banded grey and black fleece, long a source of local pride and a popular subject for Gotland's craft and souvenir potters. The figure's simplified, sturdy form, dark manganese-toned face and legs, and hand-tooled fleece texture give it real folk-art charm, and studio pottery like this makes a lovely addition for collectors of Scandinavian ceramics, folk art animals, or sheep and farm figurines specifically.

Condition Report:

Good vintage condition, wear commensurate with age. The glaze and incised texture are intact throughout with no chips or cracks noted. Light overall surface wear consistent with age and handling. The stamped mark on the underside is legible.

Keywords:

Szilasi Visby, Gotland sheep figurine, Swedish stoneware, Scandinavian pottery, studio ceramic sheep, folk art animal figurine, Gutefår sheep, Visby pottery, collectible stoneware, farm animal figurine

Dimensions: H: 2.75", W: 1.25", L: 3.75"