Pipe Troll by Hans Bolling 1960

Mid Century Modern design era
Designer Hans Bolling
Period 1960
Material: Teak wood, beech wood
Manufactory Torben Ørskov & Co., Denmark
Dimensions: Height 18 cm
Very good condition , beautiful vintage condition

Story

A design with attitude and humor:
This troll figure by Hans Bølling translates the formal rigor of Danish modernism into a winking, almost narrative small sculpture.
A unique piece that served for many decades to carefully store the utensils of pipe smokers.

The slender, turned, cylindrical body made of warm shimmering wood forms the calm, clear base.
Hand-painted eyes beneath curved brows, a plastically inserted nose, side ears, and the characteristic opening in the torso set precise accents.

Particularly striking are the arms made of pipe cleaner wire – deliberately simple, flexible, and playfully light. It is precisely this material-focused contrast to the solid wooden form that lends the figure its unmistakable charm and makes the design so characteristic of Bølling's creative wit.

A collectible object with iconic recognition value – somewhere between design history and cheerful sculpture.