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 Large White Stoneware Jewelry Dish. Upsala-Ekeby Sweden, 1940s
By Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in Bromma, SE
Rare Anna-Lisa Thomson Decorative Leaf Formed Stoneware Platter made for Upsala Ekeby. Sweden 1940s. Creme Colored Ceramic Jewelry dish / bowl / plate in matte white Stoneware. Tim...
Ceramic, Earthenware
'Paprika' Ceramic Vases (3) by Anna-Lisa Thomson - Upsala Ekeby, Sweden
By Anna-Lisa Thomson, Upsala Ekeby
Located in Utrecht, NL
Impressive and rare set of 3 vintage ceramic 'Paprika' (peppers) vases by Swedish designer Anna-Lisa Thomson (1905-1952). Dark brown ceramic vases, worked with Sgraffito technique ...
Ceramic
Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby, Swedish Ceramic Vase, 1930s
By Anna-Lisa Thomson, Upsala Ekeby
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 Stoneware Vase, Sweden, 1930's
By Anna-Lisa Thomson, Upsala Ekeby
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare Swedish Art Deco stoneware vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, circa 1935. Model 3103, this sculptural ceramic piece exemplifies the expressive forms ...
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
White Ceramic Vase by Anna-Lisa Thomson. Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s
By Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful vase with amazing relief pattern. Designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s. Excellent condition. Impressed 'EKEBY'. Anna-Lisa Thomson (1905-1952) ...
Ceramic, Earthenware
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
Large Swedish Floor Vase, Anna-Lisa Thomson, Upsala Ekeby 1940s Sweden
By Anna-Lisa Thomson, Upsala Ekeby
Located in Knivsta, SE
A large Swedish Floor Vase with Relief Decor, ”Under the surface”, Anna-Lisa Thomson, Upsala-Ekeby 1940s Sweden. Swedish Modern A striking floor vase, manufactured by Swedish porcel...
Ceramic
Anna Lisa Thomson Upsala-Ekeby Vase Glazed Ceramic Sweden
By Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson
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
$895
H 7.6 in W 6.3 in D 5.52 in
Beige Ceramic Vase by Anna-Lisa Thomson. Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s.
By Ingrid Atterberg, Anna-Lisa Thomson, Upsala Ekeby, Ewald Dahlskog, Eva Jancke-Björk
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful earthenware vase. Made by Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby in Sweden, 1940s. Great original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing. Anna-Lisa Thomson (1905–1952) was...
Ceramic, Earthenware
$1,595
H 8 in Dm 5.71 in L 8 in
Green Ceramic Art Deco Vase by Anna-Lisa Thomson. Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s.
By Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson, Eva Jancke-Björk, Ewald Dahlskog, Ingrid Atterberg
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful Art Deco / Swedish Grace earthenware vase. Made by Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby in Sweden, 1940s. Great original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing. Impressed...
Ceramic, Earthenware
$1,482
H 9.85 in Dm 5.12 in
Green Turquoise Ceramic Vase by Anna-Lisa Thomson. Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s.
By Ingrid Atterberg, Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson, Eva Jancke-Björk, Ewald Dahlskog
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful earthenware gourd vase with amazing incised pattern. Made by Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby in Sweden, 1940s. Excellent condition - no chips, cracks or crazing. Impr...
Ceramic, Earthenware
Vase by Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s
By Anna-Lisa Thomson, Upsala Ekeby
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Beautiful earthenware vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, during the 1940s. Good size with seascape motive. Off white glaze with a hint of yellow.
Earthenware