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Hjordis Oldfors for Upsala Ekeby, 1954 'Kokos' 'Coconut' Series, Modernist Vase

About the Item

This elegant work of Swedish Mid Century Modern design is by Hjördis Oldfors (b. 1920 - d. 2014) for Upsala Ekeby. Oldfors was a celebrated Swedish ceramicist, painting, and textile artist, known for many series she designed at Upsala Ekeby which went on to become classics. This hand-thrown and hand-glazed work comes from Oldfors popular Kokos series, for which there are ten works of earthenware bowls and vases designed in 1954. The series is characterised by the clean-lined, swelling forms and the deliciously tactile decor. The decor is an arrangement of sgraffito bands of glossy Dandelion yellow glaze alternating with the unglazed Dark Chocolate earthenware. The combination of the silky smooth glaze bands and the unglazed elements present a striking and tactile contrast. The form of this piece and of the series is undeniably Modernist in design, highlighting the seamless harmony of function, form, and the raw materials CONDITION Excellent - there are no chips, cracks or repairs. There is mild and age-commensurate wear to the body and faint movement marks on the underside of the base. The underside of the base is inscribed with Upsala Ekebys 'UE' and Oldfors 'HJ' monogram and the model number '5080'. A BIT OF HISTORY Hjördis Hanna Maria Oldfors (b. 1920 - d. 2014) was a celebrated Swedish ceramicist, painting, and textile artist. Oldfors is known for many series she designed at Upsala Ekeby which went on to become classics; including Poäng (Points), Kokos (Coconut), Trio (Trio), Palma (Palma), and Granit (Granite). Oldfors is represented at a number of museums including; National Museum (Sweden), Röhsska Museum, and at the Nordenfjeldske Konstindustrimuseum. Though Oldfors was a late arrival to her ceramics career, beginning her studies in 1947 in Gothenburg, she became incredibly successful. Her career at Upsala Ekeby began in 1950 when she was 30 and she would go on to set up her own studio 'Bränd Form' with a number of exhibitions representing Upsala Ekeby and her own studio. The curators of the day are notably known to have said "She has an astonishing certainty in the abstract decor and its adaptation to the form. In this area, she does not have many competitors in our ceramics."
  • Creator:
    Upsala Ekeby (Manufacturer),Hjordis Oldfors (Designer)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 5.5 in (13.97 cm)Width: 5.7 in (14.48 cm)Depth: 5.7 in (14.48 cm)
  • Style:
    Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1950s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Frome, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU6310227345992

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