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Collection by Marianne Colahan

Icons of Danish Design: Wooden Ducklings and Birds

In 1959, a Danish police officer stopped traffic in order to let a young family of ducks across the road. Inspired by the newspaper photographs, Hans Bøling designed duck and duckling figures to playfully commemorate the event. Now icons of Danish design, these birds exemplify the art of handcrafted wood. Click through the slideshow to see some of our favorite models, available in the Dwell Store.

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When paired with the larger wooden duck, this charming duckling tells a story. On its own, the handcrafted teak duckling is an adorable accent that celebrates the history of Danish woodcrafts.
When paired with the larger wooden duck, this charming duckling tells a story. On its own, the handcrafted teak duckling is an adorable accent that celebrates the history of Danish woodcrafts.
Designed by Kristian Vedel in 1959, this Large Wooden BIRD from Vedel’s BIRD series was one of the most successful Danish products from the 1950s. Each bird is handmade by a wood-turner in Denmark, and the spherical head can be tilted and turned to create different expressions. It's shown here in smoked oak wood.
Designed by Kristian Vedel in 1959, this Large Wooden BIRD from Vedel’s BIRD series was one of the most successful Danish products from the 1950s. Each bird is handmade by a wood-turner in Denmark, and the spherical head can be tilted and turned to create different expressions. It's shown here in smoked oak wood.
A companion to the large BIRD, this Small Wooden BIRD from Kristian Vedel is also available in natural oak wood.
A companion to the large BIRD, this Small Wooden BIRD from Kristian Vedel is also available in natural oak wood.