A hand-decorated ceramic tile by Konrad Galaaen for Porsgrund, Norway, framed in wood.
A dark bear walks with its head lowered, sniffing at the ground, and the thick fur is drawn with short, rhythmic strokes in deep blue-black. The animal is surrounded by a border of leaves, berries and curling stems, with a small flower at the bottom centre. The glaze is a soft creamy grey with a fine all-over crackle, which gives the surface depth and an aged, handmade look. The tile sits in a simple warm wooden frame with a wire for hanging.
The back is stamped with the Porsgrund anchor mark, "Norway", and the signature K. Galaaen.
It's a graphic, Nordic piece that works on a wall, or on a shelf or sideboard leaning against the wall. It also suits a kitchen or hallway.
