Josef Ekberg

Josef Alfred Ekberg (b. 1877 - d. 1945), ceramist and designer was born in Värmdö, Sweden and had begun working in Gustavsberg's painting room as early as 1889, when he only 12 years old.

Josef became a good friend with Gunnar Wennerberg and in 1898 they developed the 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.  

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.