Ingrid Atterberg floor vase

This rare large floor vase was designed by Ingrid Atterberg and produced by Upsala Ekeby in Sweden during the 1950s. It embodies mid-century Scandinavian stoneware through a blend of expressive carving, earthy materials, and modern form language, all hallmarks of Atterberg’s distinctive ceramic style.

The vase features a tall, tapering silhouette with a pronounced shoulder leading to a wide, rounded mouth finished with a rolled black-glazed rim. The exterior surface is coated in a matte olive-brown glaze with a granular texture, providing a naturalistic backdrop for intricately carved geometric motifs. These patterns consist of intersecting, radiating lines arranged in fan-like repetitions around the body, introducing both visual structure and dynamic movement.

The color palette is dominated by muted warm browns and dark olives, while the incised lines reveal the lighter natural clay beneath, enhancing the vase’s depth and emphasizing the hand-carved surface treatment. Inside, the vase and its rim are glazed in glossy black, contrasting subtly with the textured exterior and neatly defining the interior boundary.

Stamped on the underside are the Upsala Ekeby factory mark, form number 3052A, and Atterberg’s initials, confirming its authenticity. The vase measures 42 cm in height and 24 cm in diameter (16.5 x 9.4 inches). It is in very good vintage condition, showing typical signs of age-related wear, including minor base abrasions consistent with its era and use.

Ingrid Atterberg (1920–2008) was a leading figure at Upsala Ekeby and a pivotal artist in Swedish mid-century ceramics. Her work is recognized for its sculptural forms, rich glazes, and strong, often geometric surface decoration inspired by nature. Upsala Ekeby, active since the late 19th century, was a major force in Scandinavian decorative ceramics, collaborating with artists such as Atterberg, Mari Simmulson, and Vicke Lindstrand.

This vase is a fine example of Atterberg’s artistic vision, combining modern aesthetics with artisanal craftsmanship, and reflecting the Scandinavian affinity for texture, natural motifs, and functional yet expressive ceramic design.