Anna-Lisa Thomson vase

This large ceramic floor vase was designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson and produced by Upsala-Ekeby in Sweden during the 1940s. The vase is crafted in glazed earthenware with a white satin finish and faint reddish undertones visible through the incised decorative pattern. The surface is adorned with a rhythmic herringbone motif in relief, giving the piece both texture and visual depth while emphasizing the vertical contour of the form.

The body is gently elongated with a rounded base and a slightly constricted neck that flares outward at the rim. This combination of shape and surface detail gives the vase an architectural balance—both sculptural and refined. The craftsmanship reflects Upsala-Ekeby’s high production standards during the mid-20th century, where artistic ceramics merged with functional design to create decorative yet practical household objects.

Anna-Lisa Thomson (1905–1952) was one of Sweden’s leading ceramic artists of the mid-century period. Known for her tactile and organic surface treatments, she worked at Upsala-Ekeby from the 1930s onward, producing designs that often drew inspiration from nature, such as leaves, feathers, and botanical structures. Her work exemplifies the harmony between artistic expression and industrial production that characterized Swedish ceramics of the era.

This example remains in excellent vintage condition with only minimal traces of use. The glaze has been well preserved, and the piece retains its original soft luster. It represents both a fine example of Thomson’s mature style and the broader Scandinavian design movement’s dedication to material honesty and formal clarity.

Dimensions: diameter 23 cm (9 inches), height 49 cm (19.3 inches).