Anna-Lisa Thomson floor vase

This large floor vase, model “Paprika” was crafted in stoneware by Upsala Ekeby in Sweden in 1949 under the design direction of Anna-Lisa Thomson. The vessel adopts a vertically elongated, tapering oval profile with a gently asymmetrical mouth that lends it a hand-formed character. Its full, rounded base provides stability and a sense of grounded presence, while the tall form rises to a modest opening suitable for dried branches or sculptural display.

The surface is divided into alternating panels of deep, earthy brown and matte, lightly speckled white glaze. Each brown panel bears an incised, stylized leaf motif, carved deeply enough to reveal subtle variations in the clay body beneath. Within these forms, fine linear hatching underscores the hand-worked nature of the decoration. The white sections are sharply delineated against the darker fields, creating a rhythmic vertical interplay that both contrasts and unifies the composition. Inside, the vase is coated in a pale neutral glaze, ensuring functional water resistance without distracting from the exterior’s textural drama.

Anna-Lisa Thomson (1905–1952) was a pioneering Swedish ceramist whose work at Upsala Ekeby fused modernist abstraction with organic references drawn from the Nordic landscape. Joining the firm in the 1930s, she introduced expressive surface treatments and sculptural silhouettes that departed from purely functional forms. The “Paprika” model, introduced in 1949, stands among her most celebrated designs, exemplifying her ability to balance tactile richness with structural clarity.

Upsala Ekeby, active from the late 19th century through much of the 20th, achieved international renown for its collaborations with leading ceramicists. The factory’s industrial capacity was matched by artisanal attention to finish, allowing designers like Thomson to realize intricate relief work at scale. This example retains its original mark “UE Sweden 1081 ALT” on the base, confirming both model number and designer attribution.

This vase remains in very good vintage condition. There are no chips, cracks, or repairs, and the glaze surfaces show only minor wear consistent with age. Its dimensions are 20 cm in diameter at the widest point and 51 cm in height, equivalent to approximately 7.9 by 20.1 inches.