Anna-Lisa Thomson vase

This is a ceramic floor vase titled Paprika, designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson in 1948 and produced by Upsala Ekeby in Sweden. The model is marked UE 1081 ALT, indicating both its catalogue number and the designer’s initials. This piece exemplifies Thomson’s sculptural approach to ceramics, combining textured surfaces with organic form.

The vase has an elongated ovoid shape with a narrow cylindrical neck and a broad, rounded base. Its surface is divided into two distinct visual sections. The upper portion is matte brown and with a striped texture that gives the vase a warm and earthy appearance. The lower portion is dominated by a repeated vertical pattern of white incised leaf motifs that rise to sharp peaks, cutting into the brown field above. These forms are raised and deeply textured, each ridge further enhanced by black accent lines that emphasize the carved detailing.

The piece is made in stoneware and finished in a combination of matte and gloss glazes, with the interior glazed in a soft grey-white for full waterproof utility. The decorative language of this vase reflects both mid-century modern aesthetics and the influence of Swedish natural forms and folk craft traditions.

Anna-Lisa Thomson (1905–1952) was a prominent Swedish ceramist and painter known for her expressive and highly tactile ceramic designs. She worked for Upsala Ekeby from 1933 until her death and was one of the most important female voices in Swedish mid-century design. The Paprika model is one of her signature contributions and has been widely recognized for its combination of sculptural strength and decorative refinement.

Upsala Ekeby was a leading Swedish ceramics manufacturer throughout the 20th century and is noted for its artistic collaborations during the 1940s and 1950s. Their production emphasized hand-finished surfaces, expressive forms, and artistic freedom within industrial processes, making their pieces highly collectible.

The vase measures 22 cm in diameter and 52 cm in height, which converts to approximately 8.66 inches wide and 20.47 inches high. It is in excellent vintage condition, with no visible chips, cracks, or repairs.