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.
'Paprika' Ceramic Vases (3) by Anna-Lisa Thomson - Upsala Ekeby, Sweden
By Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson
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
Stoneware Floor Vase by Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s
By Anna-Lisa Thomson, Upsala Ekeby
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful stoneware floor vase by Anna-Lisa Thomson, glazed white. Decorative embossed graphic pattern. The artist Anna-Lisa Thomson is best known for her stoneware and earthenware ...
Ceramic
"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
$795
H 3.5 in W 9.75 in D 11.75 in
Mid Century Free Form Ceramic Bowl by Flora Eckert Hammat, Turquoise Art Pottery
Located in Miami, FL
Mid Century Free Form Ceramic Bowl by Flora Eckert Hammat, Turquoise Art Pottery Stunning naturalistic pottery bowl by an American ceramics artist, Flora Eckert Hammat of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Vivid colors, original organic form. Signed Hammat original...
Ceramic
Large French Mid Century Ceramic Bowl or Centerpiece, Signed
By Apt
Located in Miami, FL
Large French Mid Century Ceramic Bowl or Centerpiece, Signed Stunning ceramic or mixed earths piece was made by combining clay slips of light and dark bro...
Earthenware
$2,904
H 20.08 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in
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
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
Blue Bowl by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1950s
By Gustavsberg, Wilhelm Kage
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware bowl with blue glaze. Made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg Studio in Sweden. In production 1958-1962. Great condition, only a few light scratches. Impressed wit...
Ceramic, 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 Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson
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
White Ceramic Vase by Anna-Lisa Thomson. Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s
By Anna-Lisa Thomson, Upsala Ekeby
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
$360Sale Price|20% Off
H 2.75 in Dm 6.75 in
Antique Peters & Reed Zanesville Arts & Crafts Matte Green Art Pottery Bowl Vase
By Zanesville Stoneware Company
Located in San Diego, CA
Wonderful Arts & Crafts green matte art pottery bowl made by Peters & Reed in Zanesville, Ohio. Dates from the early 1900s. Wonderful color and shape...
Pottery
Ceramic Table Lamp by Anna-Lisa Thomson, 1940s
By Anna-Lisa Thomson, Upsala Ekeby
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ceramic table lamp model '208' by Anna-Lisa Thomson, 1940s. Produced at Upsala Ekeby, 1940s.
Ceramic
$995
H 6.23 in W 6.07 in D 4.85 in
Beige Ceramic Vase by Anna-Lisa Thomson. Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
By Eva Jancke-Björk, Ingrid Atterberg, Anna-Lisa Thomson, Ewald Dahlskog, Upsala Ekeby
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
Vintage Italian Majolica Frutti di Mare Sea Creatures Lidded Centerpiece Bowl
Located in San Diego, CA
Wonderful Italian Majolica "Frutti di Mare" ceramic/pottery lidded center piece bowl dating from the 1970's. The centerpiece bowl features sea creatures on the lid. The bottom part h...
Ceramic, Pottery
Sold
H 11.03 in Dm 10.24 in
Midcentury Earthenware jar by Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s
By Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking, oversized earthenware jar by Anna-Lisa Thomson. Plump form with an embossed floral motif. Glased deep green with a lighter hue on the lid.
Ceramic
Anna Lisa Thomson Swedish Art Deco 1930s Art Pottery Table Lamp
By Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful Swedish Art Deco mottled cream table lamp with dark aged bronze double cluster sockets and fittings. Rewired. The beautiful vase is made by the famed Swedish ceramicist, ...
Ceramic
Stoneware Floor Vase by Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s
By Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful stoneware floor vase by Anna-Lisa Thomson, glazed white. Decorative embossed graphic pattern.
Ceramic