Brunk Auctions
Live Auction

Modern | April 22, 2025

Tue, Apr 22, 2025 10:00AM EDT
Lot 47

Danish Sterling Teapot and Open Sugar, Karl Gustav Hansen; Book

Estimate: $1,500 - $2,000

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $25
$100 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $200
$3,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000

late 20th century, square body and handle, form with circular lid, "Anno/1984" in dotted circle, 559 (design no.), Hans Hansen, marks for Karl Gustav Hansen "Ekspl. 6", 45.18 oz. T., teapot 6-3/4  x 7-3/4 x 4-1/2 in. and open sugar 3-3/4 x 3-3/8 x 3-1/4 in.; with copy of the book Karl Gustav Hansen: Sølv : 1930-1994 = Silber : 1930-1994 (Danish Edition) 

Provenance: purchased from Hans Hansen silver, with original receipts; Private Collection, Charlottesville, Virginia

Note: Karl Gustav Hansen was one of Denmark's top silversmiths in the Scandinavian Modern period, creating high-quality modernist designs that shaped silver craftsmanship in Denmark and Scandinavia. Under his leadership, Hans Hansen’s firm employed prominent silversmiths like Bent Knudsen, Allan Scharff, and Bent Gabrielsen. Despite the rise of automation, Hansen remained committed to traditional handcraft methods throughout his 60-year career.

Son of renowned silversmith Hans Hansen, Karl started as an apprentice in his father's workshop in 1930. His jewelry designs broke new ground with geometric forms, influencing the field. In 1932, he introduced the "Future" series, avant-garde pieces combining strict lines with unexpected angles.

After his father's death in 1940, Karl Gustav took over Hans Hansen during a difficult time of war and occupation. Under his leadership, the business expanded, and he served as a guest professor at the University of Indiana in 1959. He led Hans Hansen until 1987, collaborating with sculptors like Henry Moore. Hansen’s work is represented in museums worldwide, including the V&A and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The company was bought by Georg Jensen A/S  in 1992 and production in Kolding later closed.

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purchased from Hans Hansen silver, with original receipts; Private Collection, Charlottesville, Virginia

light scratches an average wear