Swedish national ceramic artist Lisa Larson
Lisa Larson (1931-2024) is a leading Swedish ceramic artist who has captivated fans around the world for over half a century. Her style is surprisingly diverse, ranging from adorable animal figurines to powerful sculptures, and each piece exudes her warm personality.
Lisa Larson is immensely popular in Japan. This time, we will introduce her artistic career and some of her most representative series.
📋 Lisa Larson (1931-2024) Profile
| Years of birth and death | Born September 9, 1931 in Herlunda (Småland, Sweden) – Died March 11, 2024 (aged 92) |
| Birthplace | He spent his childhood in Herlunda, a town near Älmhult in southern Sweden, also known as the birthplace of IKEA. |
| education | 1949-1954 Studied ceramics at the Gothenburg School of Arts and Design (HDK) |
| Career | While still a student, he entered a Scandinavian art competition, where his talent was discovered by judge Stig Lindberg . In 1954, he joined the Gustavsberg Pottery. He remained there for 26 years until he became independent in 1980, and continued to work as a freelancer. |
| Representative work | Stora Zoo (1955), ABC-flickorna (1958), Afrika (1964), Children of the World (1974-75) |
| Awards | He has received numerous international awards and has had numerous solo exhibitions both in Sweden and abroad. |
| others | In 1992, he founded Gustavsberg Ceramic Studio with former colleagues. He is particularly popular in Japan, where he has realized numerous collaborative projects. |
Encounter with Gustavsberg
Lisa Larson's career began when she joined the Gustavsberg Pottery in 1954. Her talent was discovered by Stig Lindberg, the art director at the time, and she was given the opportunity to exhibit her own work at a young age.
From then on, Lisa created many masterpieces over the course of approximately 26 years until she left Gustavsberg in 1980. Production in the workshop was supported by close collaboration with artisans, and each piece is filled with the warmth of handwork.
Representative series
Stora Zoo (Big Zoo) Series
This series, released in the late 1950s, is the breakthrough that made Lisa Larson famous around the world. The deformed animals, including lions, bulldogs, and cats, are humorous yet somehow elegant. The lion "Afrika" series in particular is a highly sought-after collector's item.
Lilla Zoo (Little Zoo) Series
Following the success of Stora Zoo, this miniature series features adorable palm-sized animals that are popular as a way to casually enjoy Nordic design.
Children of the World Series
This is a series of figurines of children dressed in traditional costumes from around the world. These works convey Lisa's warm gaze towards humanity, and are imbued with respect and curiosity for different cultures.
Ceramic plate works
Wall plaques are another important part of Lisa's work. Though they are flat, the three-dimensional feel of the relief and the colors of the glaze create an exquisite harmony, transforming the wall into a beautiful artistic space.
How to identify Lisa Larson's work
Here are some tips to help you identify vintage Lisa Larson pieces:
- The type of engraving - The engraving on the back varies depending on the production period. Items from the Gustavsberg period are engraved with "GUSTAVSBERG" and Lisa's signature.
- The texture of the glaze - each glaze is applied by hand, and each piece has a slightly different appearance. This "variation" is what makes vintage pieces so appealing.
- Size and weight – a genuine Gustavsberg product has a substantial weight to it.
Why Lisa Larson Now?
In today's increasingly digital world, Lisa Larson's works, which exude the warmth of handcrafted items, are even more relevant. Their unique, one-of-a-kind character, the comfortable weight you feel when you hold them in your hand, and their charming expressions bring a smile to your face every time you look at them—these pieces truly enrich your life.
Our store carries a large selection of vintage Lisa Larson pieces purchased directly from Sweden.