Bjørn Wiinblad (Danish, 1918-2006) Mermaid, 1965 Ceramic 35-1/4 x 26 x 4 inches (89.5 x 66.0 x 10.2 cm)(mermaid, largest) Property from the Neiman Marcus Collection World-renowned Danish painter and ceramicist, Bjørn Wiinblad is perhaps best known for his ability to transform ordinary household objects into imaginative works of art. Drawing inspiration from folklore, Wiinblad pioneered his signature style of smiling, round female faces on a variety of surfaces and mediums. In the 1950s, the Copenhagen native's whimsical illustrations captured the attention of Stanley Marcus, thus beginning the artist's long association with Marcus and his luxury department stores. In 1965, The Mermaid Bar at Neiman Marcus NorthPark opened its doors and transported the American public into the romantic and lively world of Bjørn Wiinblad. Blue and white mural tiles and large-scale ceramic sculptures of mermaids graced the walls of the restaurant's interior and imbued the institution with Wiinblad's characteristic joie de vivre. Mermaid is not only a superb example of contemporary Danish design, but it also presents a rare opportunity for collectors to own an iconic piece of Neiman Marcus history. This lot comprising: 1 mermaid; 1 ship; 5 fish; 20 plates. 27 total. HID03101062020 © 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

A strong example of Wiinblad's style. Minor fleabite to edge of four plates, loss and subsequent repair to tail of two fish and to cornucopia, a two inch loss to underside of cornucopia, loss to one decorative finial of mermaid tail, broken mast to boat. Examined under black light.
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