Anna-Lisa Thomson vase

This rare ceramic vase was designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson and produced by Upsala Ekeby in Sweden during the 1950s. It is part of Thomson’s distinctive nature-inspired series that blends sculptural form with detailed low-relief decoration, a hallmark of Scandinavian mid-century studio ceramics.

The vase has a rounded, tapering ovoid shape with a narrow opening and no distinct neck, creating a cohesive and compact silhouette. Its surface is fully adorned in soft, organic low relief depicting an underwater scene with stylized fish, aquatic plants, sea stars, and other marine life, flowing continuously around the vase. The relief is integrated seamlessly into the form rather than applied as a separate element, emphasizing fluidity and unity.

The glaze is a satin celadon green with subtle blue and grey undertones that gently pool around the raised motifs, highlighting the contours with reddish accents along the edges. This nuanced coloration enhances the tactile quality of the surface while maintaining a balanced, understated aesthetic. The base is unglazed, revealing the reddish clay body with a small black maker’s mark near the foot ring.

Anna-Lisa Thomson (1905–1952) was a seminal Swedish ceramic artist associated with Upsala Ekeby from the early 1930s until her passing. She is celebrated for her poetic and tactile approach to ceramics, often drawing on natural themes. Upsala Ekeby was a leading Swedish ceramics manufacturer known for fostering artistic expression within functional design.

The vase measures 17.5 cm in diameter and 25.5 cm in height (approximately 6.9 x 10 inches). It remains in very good vintage condition with minor surface wear consistent with age and use.