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.
Green Ceramic Art Deco Globe Vase by Anna-Lisa Thomson, St Eriks, Sweden, 1930s.
By Eva Jancke-Björk, Ewald Dahlskog, Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in Malmö, SE
A small and beautiful Art Deco globe vase with amazing glaze. Made by Anna-Lisa Thomson for S:t Eriks Lervarufabriker in Sweden, 1930s. Great condition - no chips, cracks or crazing...
Ceramic, Earthenware
Green Ceramic Art Deco Candlesticks by Anna-Lisa Thomson, St Eriks, Sweden 1930s
By Eva Jancke-Björk, Ewald Dahlskog, Anna-Lisa Thomson, Upsala Ekeby
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of beautiful Art Deco candlesticks with amazing glaze. Made by Anna-Lisa Thomson for S:t Eriks Lervarufabriker in Sweden, 1930s. Great condition - no chips, cracks or crazing...
Ceramic, Earthenware
Anna Lisa Thomson Vase Green Relief Ekeby Sweden 1930s
By Anna-Lisa Thomson, Upsala Ekeby
Located in Basel, BS
Anna-Lisa Thomson stoneware vase, hand-thrown in Sweden in the mid to late 1930s at Ekeby ceramic factory. Relief structured turquoise-green glaze, signed with the artists initials ...
Stoneware
Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby, Swedish Ceramic Vase, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in Stockholm, SE
A refined ceramic vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, circa 1940s. This sculptural piece embodies Thomson’s signature balance of organic softness and moderni...
Ceramic
Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala-Ekeby, Art Deco Ceramic Vase, Sweden, 1930s
By Anna-Lisa Thomson, Upsala Ekeby
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant Swedish Art Deco ceramic vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala-Ekeby in the 1930s. The vase features a beautifully ribbed, organic form with a softly scalloped rim, f...
Ceramic
Anna-Lisa Thomson Upsala Ekeby Lidded Bowl, Sweden 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Exceptional Swedish Art Deco lidded ceramic bowl designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby, dating to the 1930s. This sculptural piece features a softly rounded form finished i...
Ceramic
Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby, Art Deco Ceramic Vase, Sweden 1930's
By Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare and refined Art Deco stoneware vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, circa 1935. Model 3103, produced only in limited quantities, exemplifies Thomson’s ...
Ceramic
1930s Harald Östergren Art Deco Ceramic Vase, Upsala Ekeby, Sweden
By Eva Jancke-Björk, Ewald Dahlskog, Upsala Ekeby, Harald Östergren, Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Antique Art Deco earthenware vase by ceramic artist Harald Östergren for Upsala Ekeby in the 1930s. Dusty yellow running glaze and two small black handles. Stamped and numbered unde...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Pottery, Stoneware
Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby Glazed Ceramic Vase, Sweden, 1930s
By Anna-Lisa Thomson, Upsala Ekeby
Located in Stockholm, SE
A striking Swedish Art Deco ceramic vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby (Ekeby), Sweden, circa 1930s. The vase features a sculptural, rounded form with a narrow, gen...
Ceramic
Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby Art Deco Ceramic Vase, Sweden, 1930s
By Anna-Lisa Thomson, Upsala Ekeby
Located in Stockholm, SE
A striking Swedish ceramic vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby, dating from the 1930s. The vase features a beautifully sculptural, rounded form with pronounced verti...
Ceramic
Art Deco Ceramic Vase by Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby Sweden, 1930s
By Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in Rīga, LV
Anna-Lisa Thomson designed this vase for Upsala Ekeby in 1936-1938. Additional information: Country of manufacture: Sweden Period: 1930s Dimensions: 15.5 H cm Diameter: 18 cm Condit...
Ceramic
Ceramic vase by Anna-Lisa Thomson, 1940s
By Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ceramic vase model by Anna-Lisa Thomson, 1940s. Produced at Upsala Ekeby, 1940s.
Ceramic
Anna-Lisa Thomson, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Anna-Lisa Thomson, Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A brown and green-glazed earthenware vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s. Mark to body likely production-related.
Earthenware
Anna-Lisa Thomson, Dish, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
By Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed dish designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1930s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 2.0"H x 10.375"W x 10.375"D All items ship from High ...
Ceramic