THE ITEM
This graceful and elegant work of Swedish Art Deco, Art Nouveau design is by celebrated Swedish ceramist and designer Josef Ekberg (b. 1877 - d. 1945).
The vase's abstract bottle form is a magnificent canvas for Ekberg's best known Sgraffito technique that was presented at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1900. The technique involves the application of two successive layers of a contrasting slip or glaze to an unfired ceramic body, and then, in either case, applying a scratching technique to reveal parts of the underlying layer. The stylised and undulating flora and verdure relief are accentuated in the use of Sgraffito and further painted in a powdered steel blue against the base glaze of pale turquoise.
CONDITION
Very Good. There are no chips or repairs. There is age and use wear to the clear gloss coating and a few minor hairline cracks on the body. Please refer to photos as part of the condition report. The underside of the base of the vase is signed 'Gustavsberg 1921, J. Ekberg'.
MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 14.8" / 37.5 cm tall (from base to rim ) x c. 6.3" / 16 cm in diameter (across widest point). Rim diameter: c. 4.3" / 11 cm. Base diameter: c. 4.7" / 12 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 3.2 kg / 3,191 g
A BIT OF HISTORY
Josef Alfred Ekberg (b. 1877 - d. 1945), ceramist and designer was born in Värmdö, Sweden and had begun working in the Gustavsberg's painting room as early as 1889, when he only 12 years old.
Josef soon became a good friend with Gunnar Wennerberg and in 1898 they developed the so-called Sgraffito technique together. Ekberg and Wennerberg were also honoured to present their new technique at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1900, where it was warmly received.
Ekberg is best known for his Sgraffito technique, but he also created many art objects and patterns. During the years of 1908 to 1917, Ekberg had the role of artistic director at the Gustavsberg, a position he later assigned to Wilhelm Kåge. Ekberg would remain at Gustavsberg until his death in 1945.
NOTES
Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.