Anna-Lisa Thomson floor vase

This rare ceramic floor vase was designed by Swedish artist Anna-Lisa Thomson and produced by Upsala Ekeby in Sweden during the 1940s. Thomson, one of the foremost ceramicists of her era, is recognized for her sculptural forms and innovative surface treatments, often inspired by natural elements. Her work is closely tied to the Swedish modernist movement, and her pieces are appreciated for their expressive yet restrained aesthetic.

The vase is crafted from glazed stoneware with a matte light green finish. Its surface features a raised relief pattern that includes stylized aquatic motifs, such as starfish, seaweed, and shell shapes. These elements are depicted in low relief and integrated into the vase’s gently bulging ovoid form, creating a continuous tactile composition that emphasizes its sculptural nature. The abstracted motifs, though inspired by nature, are rendered in a way that remains poetic and organic, characteristic of Thomson’s style.

The glaze has a soft, chalky texture with slight tonal variations, while subtle crackling is visible on the base, indicating its age and use. The glaze enhances the depth and volume of the relief decoration without obscuring the fine details. The vase features a narrow mouth and a slightly concave foot. It is unmarked except for faint traces of a signature on the unglazed base, a typical feature of larger works produced at Upsala Ekeby during this period.

Upsala Ekeby was a significant center for ceramic art in Sweden throughout the 20th century, known for producing high-quality works in collaboration with renowned designers such as Thomson, Vicke Lindstrand, and Mari Simmulson. The factory’s reputation for innovative forms and artistic integrity was particularly prominent in the interwar and postwar periods.

The vase measures 27 cm in diameter and 38 cm in height (approximately 10.6 x 15 inches). It is in very good vintage condition, with minor surface marks and a stable craquelure pattern that reflects its age while maintaining both its structural integrity and visual appeal.