Holmegaard "Beak Bowl" (Næb Skål) by Per Lütken

Name: Holmegaard "Beak Bowl" (Næb Skål) by Per Lütken
Brand: Rene
Availability: LimitedAvailability

A vintage 1970s Holmegaard Beak Bowl by Per Lütken, showing its frosted glass exterior and clear interior with maker's mark. - view 1

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Average (4/10)

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QUICK FACTS

DESCRIPTION

A biomorphic glass bowl, often referred to as a "Beak Bowl" (Næb Skål), designed by Per Lütken for the Danish glassworks Holmegaard. The piece features a heavy, solid base with a clear, polished interior well and a contrasting frosted or satin-finished exterior. The asymmetrical, upturned 'beak' or 'spout' gives the design its name and its characteristic sculptural quality.

CULTURAL ECHOES

Where This Object Echoes

Finnish Modernismc. 1930s-1970s

The organic forms echo the work of Finnish designers like Alvar and Aino Aalto, who famously used fluid, nature-inspired shapes in their glassware for Iittala (e.g., the 'Aalto Vase').

Italian Murano Glassc. 1950s-1960s

While stylistically different, the emphasis on heavy, sculptural 'sommerso' (submerged) glass by Murano artists like Flavio Poli shares a common interest in using the thickness and optical qualities of glass as a primary design element.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

•In Mid-Century homes, objects like this were part of the domestic ritual of entertaining, often serving as a stylish ashtray during social gatherings.
•Today, it's part of the collecting ritual, where enthusiasts curate groupings of Scandinavian glass to create minimalist decorative vignettes.

Meaning Through Time

1960s-1970s

Symbolized modern, sophisticated taste and was a functional household item (ashtray) that doubled as accessible art.

2000s-Present

Recontextualized as a collectible design object. Its original function as an ashtray is often secondary, and it is appreciated for its sculptural form and historical design value.

HISTORICAL STORY

This bowl is a classic example of Mid-Century Modern Danish design, a movement that emphasized functionalism, minimalism, and a deep respect for natural materials and organic forms. Per Lütken (1916-1998) was the artistic director at Holmegaard from 1942 until his death, and his work defined the ...

DID YOU KNOW?

Per Lütken was famous for his motto: "I'd rather have a beautiful glass break than an ugly one which will not break," reflecting his focus on aesthetics over pure durability.

The 'beak' design was part of Lütken's 'freehand' series, where he explored fluid, organic shapes inspired by nature, moving away from stricter geometric forms.

MATERIAL & CONDITION

Surface

The exterior has a velvety matte, frosted finish, achieved through acid-etching, while the interior is smooth, glossy, and clear.

Weight & Feel

Appears dense and substantial, with most of the weight concentrated in the thick, solid glass base, giving it a low center of gravity.

Condition

Overall in excellent vintage condition. Some minor surface scuffs and light scratches are visible on the interior, consistent with age and light use. This is typical for an object of this age but places it just below a true 'mint' grading.

RARITY ANALYSIS

Average55-70%

CommonLegendary

Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

Typical Characteristics

Standard antique shop items
Regularly available
Moderate collector interest

ESTIMATED VALUE

$60 - $140

Updated: Jan 31, 2026

Market comparables from auctions & retail
Condition, completeness & craftsmanship
Current collector demand & trends
Low = quick sale, high = patient seller

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

CONTEXT ANALYSIS

How your provided context compares with Curiosa.com scanner findings.

What Aligned

User's belief that the item is 'Original/Authentic' is strongly supported by the visible 'HOLMEGAARD' maker's mark and a date code, which align with the known production of this design.

What Conflicted

User's statement of 'Mint' condition is in slight conflict with visible minor surface scratches on the interior, which indicate light use. The condition is more accurately described as excellent for its age.