This scandinavian modern ceramic vase with seaweed motif by Mari Simmulson for Upsala Ekeby, Sweden 1950 is adorable!
Crafted between 1958-61, this stunning Mari Simmulson Upsala-Ekeby vase is a testament to the renowned Swedish ceramic design of the mid-20th century.
Resembling the world beneath the sea, this vase features intricate details of seaweed with pale yellow and turquoise foliage, along with air bubbles, all set against a dark brown background. The decor has a rich texture that can be felt by the hand. The interior is finished with a smooth white glaze, providing a striking contrast to the exterior design.
Stamped on the bottom with "UE Sweden, MS" and serial number 4330/681, this vase bears the unmistakable mark of Mari Simmulson "MS". According to the catalogization, 4330/681 indicates that it is produced between 1926-30 and bears the series name "Ax". Ax means "ear of grain" in Swedish. However that series has grey glaze with white ers of grains.
Mari Simmulson (1911-2000) was a prominent figure in Swedish ceramic design, known for her innovative techniques and prolific creativity. Educated as a sculptor and ceramicist in Tallinn, Estonia, she later worked at Arabia ceramics in Finland before joining Wilhelm Kåge's studio at Gustavsberg in Sweden. In 1949, she began her tenure at Upsala-Ekeby, where she introduced techniques with nitrates, expanding the artistic possibilities of ceramic painting.
Her extensive and varied body of work earned her a place among the leading designers of her time, and she is represented in prestigious institutions such as the Swedish National Museum of Art and Design.
Creator: Upsala Ekeby (Manufacturer), Mari Simmulson (Designer)
Dimensions: Height: 7.09 in (18 cm), Diameter: 2.76 in (7 cm)
Style: Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques: Earthenware, Glazed, Hand-Crafted
Place of Origin: Sweden
Period: 1950-1959
Date of Manufacture: 1958-61
Condition: Good, Wear consistent with age and use.