Ingrid Atterberg vases

This is a set of eight ceramic vases from the “Negro” series, designed by Ingrid Atterberg and produced by Upsala Ekeby in Sweden during the 1950s. Each vase is rendered in matte brown-black stoneware and decorated with a repeating pattern of incised, elongated white ovals arranged in horizontal rows across the vessel’s body. The patterning introduces both rhythm and texture, creating a striking visual contrast between the dark ground and the lighter inlays.

The set showcases a variety of forms, including rounded, egg-shaped silhouettes, tall cylindrical bodies, and asymmetrically slanted rims, reflecting Atterberg’s signature interest in sculptural variation within a unified design language. While the surface treatment and decorative motif remain consistent across all pieces, each vase possesses distinct proportions and slight variations in mouth form and volume, contributing to the group’s dynamic presence when displayed collectively.

The surface finish is unglazed matte on the exterior, giving the pieces a tactile, earthy quality. The interiors are generally glazed white or off-white for functional use. The bases are marked with impressed Upsala Ekeby manufacturer’s codes, the model number (such as “2133”), and Atterberg’s monogram, confirming authorship and origin.

Ingrid Atterberg was a central figure in the development of modern Swedish ceramics in the postwar era. Working with Upsala Ekeby, she was instrumental in introducing bold graphic decoration and contemporary forms to stoneware design. Her work is known for combining functional vessel forms with expressive surface treatment, often inspired by African, Asian, and Scandinavian folk motifs. The “Negro” series exemplifies this fusion of modernist geometry with handcrafted decoration.

Upsala Ekeby, established in the late 19th century, was one of Sweden’s most innovative ceramic manufacturers, especially during the mid-century period. Their collaborations with Atterberg, Mari Simmulson, and others pushed the boundaries of form and decoration in Scandinavian ceramics.

The set is in good vintage condition, with small signs of usage consistent with age. The ceramic bodies and surface decoration are well preserved, retaining their original integrity and character.

The largest vase in the set measures approximately 21 cm in diameter, and 46 cm in height, which converts to approximately 8.27 inches in diameter, and 18.11 inches high.