Vase by Anna-Lisa Thomson. Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s

About the Item

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 southern Sweden town of Karlskrona. She received formal training at the University College of Arts, Crafts, and Design in Stockholm. Upon completing her university training, Anna-Lisa found a position as the first permanent employee at S:t Erik's Pottery. Anna-Lisa started employment at Gefle / Upsala-Ekeby ceramic factory in 1933, and a long, fruitful collaboration began. Her work was innovative; testing new materials and decorative techniques. She developed a signature style with simple, clean forms. Inspiration often came from nature or bodies of water. Anna-Lisa Thomson is perhaps best known for the 1948 series "Paprika" (Peppers), with its slender, austere vases. The series is characterized by glazed white or green, lance-shaped leaves, which offer a striking contrast to the unglazed surface. The series was manufactured using the Sgrafitto technique, where a sharp object is used to carve a pattern in a glazed surface. Paprika became the best-selling series in Upsala-Ekeby’s history. During the 1940s, Upsala-Ekeby increased their ambition, upping the production of artistic series. This is clearly exhibited in Anna Lisa's elegant 1950 series “Athene" (Athena), with its contorted, fairytale-esque motifs. Athena is the war goddess in ancient Greek mythology, but she was also the goddess of wisdom. In Anna Lisa's world, Athena surrounded herself with doves rather than weapons. The series attracted great interest and contributed to Upsala-Ekeby’s stellar reputation. Toward the end of Anna-Lisa’s life, she moved towards a deeply personal, surrealistic style. This is most apparent in the illustrated poem collection, "Eko av dagars ljusa klang" (Echo of Day Bright Sound). Many of the illustrations were sterling pieces of art, covering full pages. In 1952, Anna-Lisa succumbed to sickness at the age of 47. The “Anna-Lisa Thomson Memorial Foundation" was formed, and awards annual grants to promising female artists.

Creator:

Upsala Ekeby (Manufacturer),Anna-Lisa Thomson (Artist)

Dimensions:

Height: 8.67 in (22 cm)Diameter: 5.12 in (13 cm)

Style:

Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Ceramic,Earthenware

Place of Origin:

Sweden

Period:

Mid-20th Century