~The unknown story hidden in the ceramic statue~

In 1967, at the Gustavsberg porcelain workshop on the outskirts of Stockholm, a petite female potter and a world-famous children's author were standing side by side, gazing at a small porcelain doll.

The ceramic artist is Lisa Larson and the artist is Astrid Lindgren, the creator of Pippi Longstocking.

What they were looking at was a ceramic figurine of Pippi Lonestocking, a ``little girl'' that Lisa had just created from clay.

Pippi, the vibrant and wild character in the story, was brought to life in a new form on this day: ceramic.

This is the beginning of a untold, heartwarming story woven by two of Sweden's most iconic creators.

Lisa and Astrid Lindgren's Meeting

Lisa Larson is a popular designer who has been active at Gustavsberg since the 1950s, and is known for creating humorous and gentle designs of animals and people.

Meanwhile, Astrid Lindgren is an author who published "Pippi Longstocking" in 1945, captivating children around the world with her free-spirited protagonist, Pippi.

The two first met through a project to create a three-dimensional ceramic figurine of Pippi.

At the time, it was unusual for Lisa to work with real people or characters, and most of her previous figures had been original designs.

That's why Lisa, who had been familiar with the story of Pippi since she was a child, may have felt a little nervous about the request, even though she was excited.

And in front of the first completed Pippi prototype, Lisa and Lindgren exchanged words.

"Oh, what a lovely Pippi!"

Lindgren is said to have squinted at the Pippi statue Lisa had made, enjoying the lingering echoes of the story unfolding within the small ceramic piece.

Background of the birth of the Pippi statue

So why did Gustavsberg decide to produce and sell a ceramic statue of Pippi?

The background to this was the growing popularity of Pippi in Sweden at the time and a new challenge for Gustavsberg.

In the late 1960s, Lindgren's original Pippi Longstocking was adapted into a film, bringing it back into the spotlight and gaining many fans.

At this time, Gustavsberg began to consider whether it could use its superior design and technology to bring this national character to life.

The person chosen for the job was the company's leading designer, Lisa Larson.

The rounded, gentle shapes and humor she created were a perfect fit for the mischievous and kind-hearted image of Pippi.

Thus, in 1967, Lisa Larson completed the prototype of the Pippi statue.

The finished product is about 18cm tall and faithfully recreates the figure's pose with hands on both sides and a stiff waist, as well as the protruding braids.

However, the actual manufacturing process is far from easy.

Pippi's distinctive long, slender legs and unique braids made her prone to falling over or cracking during the firing process.

As a result, no matter how carefully they were baked, damage continued to occur, and production became a much more costly and time-consuming process than expected.

(Moreover, because they were made as ceramic statues for children, there are very few that remain in perfect condition today, as children have broken their legs or chipped parts while playing with them.)

Gustavsberg managed to commercialize the product and began selling it in 1969.

However, production was extremely limited, and it is said to have been discontinued just a few years later, around 1971.

This short lifespan was the reason why it was later called "Phantom Pippi" or "Legendary Pippi Statue."

The box is more expensive!?

Lisa Larson's now-vanished Pippi statue, produced in limited numbers, is now traded at high prices on the vintage market.

However, there is something that collectors are desperately searching for even more.

It's a "box."

At that time, the Pippi statue came with special packaging to evoke the world of Pippi.

The packaging was designed to resemble Pippi's bed, making it a playful box that looks as if the Pippi figurine is sleeping and waking up in it.

However, for buyers at the time, the boxes were merely "packaging material," and in most cases, children would tear them up in their excitement or throw them away immediately.

As a result, Pippi in its original box has become even rarer, and the box now sells for more than the doll itself .

At auctions, there have been cases where the item was traded for 2,000 to 3,000 Swedish kronor, which is equivalent to several hundred thousand yen in Japanese yen.

Among them is a box with Astrid Lindgren's autograph on the lid, and there is even an anecdote about it being sold for an astonishingly high price.

Pippi's Legacy

Lisa Larson's Pippi statue became a "phantom figure" due to the small number produced, the difficulty of manufacturing, and the short sales period.

But the story doesn't actually end here.

After Lisa left Gustavsberg she continued to create, which gave her the opportunity to design characters for Lindgren's works again in the 21st century.

In 2016, a new Pippi figure was designed for the first time in about 50 years.Compared to the older type, it is smaller and easier to handle, but still retains its humorous finish.

At the time the new work was released, the original author, Lindgren, had already passed away, but the love for Pippi that lives within Lisa seems to continue to resonate with the story Lindgren left behind.

The "Girl with Braids" has been read all over the world as a character who gives people freedom and a sense of adventure.

The ceramic Pippi statue, created by two female creators from Sweden, has also continued to capture the hearts of fans and collectors throughout the ages.

summary

The 1967 "Pippi Långstrump" ceramic statue is a special piece of art created by two of Sweden's most talented artists, Lisa Larson and Astrid Lindgren.

Due to the difficulty of manufacturing, production numbers were limited, making it increasingly rare and it is now becoming a legendary vintage item.

Furthermore, the special packaging (box) is even rarer and can be priced higher than the product itself.

Pippi Longstocking, which combines historical background, Lisa Larson's unique gentle form, and the world of Lindgren's stories, is a masterpiece that continues to thrill the hearts of many people.

Within this little doll and box lies the rich world of Swedish children's literature and the boundless creativity of Lisa Larson.

Pippi Longstocking product page here

(Written by: Nordic Tableware Tackshomucke Editorial Department)