Swedish master ceramicist Anna-Lisa Thomson introduced a spirit to pottery in ways that had not yet been seen before her time. Best known for her "Paprika" series, Thomson brought an expert eye for simple beauty and quiet elegance to the glazed and unglazed surfaces of her tall, slender vases and other decorative objects.
Thomson’s love of experimentation with new techniques and materials — especially glazes — lent an unparalleled level of distinction to her works. She often drew her inspiration from bodies of water and the natural world, which is evident in the smooth flow of lines and aquatic luster present in many of her finished pieces.
Thomson was born in 1905 in Karlskrona, Sweden. She studied at the Technical School in Stockholm, completing her schooling in 1924. Shortly after completing her studies, Thomson joined St. Eriks Lervarufabriker in Upsala, and became their artistic director within two years. To this day, she remains the most prominent creator associated with the company's name.
In the 1930s, Thomson joined Upsala Ekeby, where, alongside preeminent ceramic designers Sven Erik Skawonius and Vicke Lindstrand, she changed the course of the company's ceramics division. During her time with Upsala Ekeby, Thomson adopted an ancient Grecian style, adding classic images of doves to her vases and urns in homage to the goddess Athena. She also worked at Gefle Porslinsfabrik.
Thomson spent the last years of her life at her cottage in Grundsund on Sweden's west coast, where she turned her artistic attention to abstract painting. Many of her paintings grace the pages of the poetry book Eko av dagars ljusa klang (Echo of Day Bright Sound), which was published in 1953.
On 1stDibs, find Anna-Lisa Thomson ceramic vases, lighting and serveware.
Anna Lisa Thomson, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
By Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in High Point, NC
A green and orange-glazed earthenware vase, designed by Anna Lisa Thomson and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Earthenware
Anna-Lisa Thomson, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Anna-Lisa Thomson, Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
An cream white-glazed earthenware vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Earthenware
Anna-Lisa Thomson, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in High Point, NC
A white and blue-glazed earthenware vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s. Old reference #: 397
Earthenware
Anna-Lisa Thomson, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed earthenware vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Earthenware
Anna-Lisa Thomson Vase for Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden
By Anna-Lisa Thomson, Upsala Ekeby
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Nice vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby. Really nice pattern presenting almost like scales. Signed on the bottom with both "Ekeby" and "ALT"
Ceramic
Anna Lisa Thomson Large Plate or Low Bowl
By Anna-Lisa Thomson, Upsala Ekeby
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Nice plate or low bowl designed by Anna Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby, produced in Sweden. Really nice color and shape, has an organic feel. Celadon color is fantastic. Can be hung o...
Ceramic
Anna-Lisa Thomson, Vase, Earthenware, Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, 1951-1952
By Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in High Point, NC
A white earthenware vase, "Adria-Capri" series, designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson and produced by Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, 1951-1952.
Earthenware
Unique Vase by Anna-Lisa Thomson. Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s
By Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in Malmö, SE
A unique and beautiful vase with amazing green glaze. Designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s. Excellent condition. Impressed 'EKEBY'. Anna-Lisa Thomson (190...
Ceramic, Earthenware
Vase by Anna-Lisa Thomson. Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s
By Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful abd rare vase by Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s. Excellent condition. Impressed 'EKEBY' and '18'. Anna-Lisa Thomson (1905-1952) was born in the sout...
Ceramic, Earthenware
Timeless Elegance: Anna-Lisa Thomson's Iconic Earthenware Vase from the 1930s.
By Gamla Uppsala Keramik, Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Earthenware vase, designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby in the 1930s. Exquisitely crafted, harmonious proportions accentuated by intricate underwater-themed relief decoratio...
Earthenware
Ceramic Floor Vase by Anna-Lisa Thomson, 1950s
By Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This large ceramic floor vase, model “Paprika,” designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson and produced by Upsala Ekeby in Sweden during the 1950s, is a stunning example of mid-century Scandinavi...
Ceramic
Earthenware vase by Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1937
By Anna-Lisa Thomson, Upsala Ekeby
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Beautiful and rare vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, in 1930s. This vase, model 11, was designed for the Paris EXPO in 1937.
Earthenware
Scandinavian Modern Anna-Lisa Thomson Stoneware Vase in Jade green, Sweden
By Gamla Uppsala Keramik, Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Scandinavian Modern Anna-Lisa Thomson stoneware vase in Jade green, Uppsala Ekeby, Introducing the stunning jade green vase by Anna-Lisa Tho...
Stoneware
Scandinavian Modern, Vase by Anna-Lisa Thomson, Earthenware, Sweden, ca 1950's
By Anna-Lisa Thomson, Upsala Ekeby
Located in Örebro, SE
A white-glazed earthenware vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, ca 1950's. Good vintage condition, wear and patina consistent with age and use. ...
Earthenware
White Ceramic Vase by Anna-Lisa Thomson, Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1951-1952.
By Eva Jancke-Björk, Ewald Dahlskog, Anna-Lisa Thomson, Ingrid Atterberg, Upsala Ekeby
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful earthenware vase with amazing glaze. Made by Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby in Sweden, 1951-1952. Great condition - no chips, cracks or crazing. Impressed with maker...
Ceramic, Earthenware
"Under the Sea, " Large, Rare Art Deco Bowl by Thomson for Upsala Ekeby
By Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This remarkably large and dramatic low bowl from the Swedish ceramic firm of Upsala-Ekeby was designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson in the late 1940s. Here she depicts seaweed, coral, sea sh...
Clay
Anna Lisa Thomson Upsala-Ekeby Vase Glazed Ceramic Sweden
By Anna-Lisa Thomson, Upsala Ekeby
Located in Lège Cap Ferret, FR
An unusual early modernist almond green and white vase. Designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson, for Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, 1940. Stamped. Very good c...
Earthenware
Anna-Lisa Thomson Vase Produced by Upsala Ekeby in Sweden
By Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare ceramic vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson. Produced by Upsala Ekeby in Sweden.
Ceramic
Anna Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby Swedish Pottery Bowl or Dish, circa 1950s
By Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Rare, large vintage Mid-Century round circular bowl or dish designed by Swedish artist and sculptor Anna-Lisa Thomson (1905-1952) in 1948, produced circa 1950s. The decoration on ...
Ceramic, Clay
Anna-Lisa Thomson, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Anna-Lisa Thomson, Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A blue and white-glazed earthenware vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Earthenware
Anna-Lisa Thomson, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow-glazed incised earthenware vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Earthenware
Anna-Lisa Thomson, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
By Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in High Point, NC
A white-glazed earthenware vase designed by Anna Lisa Thomson and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s.
Earthenware
Anna-Lisa Thomson, Vase, Earthenware, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed earthenware vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thompson, and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Ceramic, Earthenware
Anna-Lisa Thomson, Vase, Beige-Glazed Earthenware, Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, 1936-38
By Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in High Point, NC
A beige-glazed earthenware vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson and produced by Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, 1936-1938.
Earthenware
Anna-Lisa Thomson, Vase, Blue-Glazed Earthenware, Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s
By Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in High Point, NC
A blue vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson and produced by Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Earthenware
Anna-Lisa Thomson, Vase, Green-Glazed Earthenware, Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s
By Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed earthenware vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson and produced by Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s. .
Earthenware
Anna-Lisa Thomson, Vase, Ceramic, Upsala-Ekeby Sweden 1940s
By Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in High Point, NC
This vase, designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson in 1940s Sweden for Upsala-Ekeby, is made glazed beige ceramic. Overall Dimensions (inches): 5" Height x 6.5" Diameter All items ship from ...
Ceramic
Anna-Lisa Thomson Floor Vase Model Paprika Produced by Upsala Ekeby in Sweden
By Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Large ceramic floor vase model Paprika designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson. Produced by Upsala Ekeby in Sweden.
Ceramic
Terracotta, White Ceramic Floor Vase by Anna-Lisa Thomson, Sweden
By Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län
Large Swedish ceramic floor vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson. Manufactured by Upsala-Ekeby in Uppsala, Sweden circa 1940s. The vase is made from glazed earthenware with a hand draw...
Ceramic, Earthenware