This ceramic statue is from the "Noah's Ark" series, designed by Lisa Larson in 1978 for Gustavsberg. Noah's Ark is a large ship that appears in the Bible and carried animals, both male and female, including humans, during the flood. The series also includes ceramic statues of lions, elephants, giraffes, camels, penguins, and walruses.
At the time this piece was created, Lisa Larson was actively researching materials for ceramic statues, and it was made using a new manufacturing process called chamotte, which gives it the feel of exposed earthenware while also ensuring high durability.
This work features a design of two camels nestled close together. The female in the foreground has a calm and happy expression, while the male in the background has his neck stretched out and looks alert. The piece depicts a happy couple, and the initial L is engraved on the bottom as proof that it was made by Lisa Larson.
■Detailed specifications Manufacturer: Gustavsberg Designer: Lisa Larson Series name: Noaks Ark Year: 1978-1983 Country of origin: Sweden Condition: ★★★★★ (5: Complete)
There are no cracks, chips or crazing and it is in perfect condition, just as it was when it was made.
■Size
Width 13.5cm Depth 4.5cm Height 11cm
Lisa Larson
Lisa Larson (1931-2024)
A world-renowned Swedish ceramicist, he was born in Härlunda, a village of about 500 people in the Älmhult district of Kronoberg county in the Småland region in southern Sweden.
As a child, she aspired to be a fashion designer, but after enrolling at the Gothenburg Academy of Art, she studied ceramics. One day, she was discovered by Stig Lindberg at a competition, and after a one-year probationary period, she officially joined Gustavsberg as a designer. Shortly thereafter, in 1955, she released the Lilla Zoo series, and in 1964, she came up with the Afrika series, famous for its lion statues.
Lisa Larson has not only worked for Gustavsberg, but has also provided designs for Höganäs, the major domestic retailer Åhléns, and the German ceramic manufacturer Rosenthal. After leaving Gustavsberg in 1979, she became a freelance artist, working on a voluntary basis with companies, rather than as an exclusive contractor, and continued to work freely in various fields. In 1979 and 1981, she held solo exhibitions at Seibu Department Store in Tokyo, and the 1981 exhibition was visited by a total of 70,000 people.
Gustavsberg
Gustavsberg is a long-established Swedish pottery manufacturer founded in 1825. For more information on the history of the company , please see this article♪ The company produced bathtubs and other housing equipment, but from the late 19th century onward, they focused on producing artistic ceramics, and their name became widely known. I did. Known for its simple and beautiful designs with motifs of nature and folklore, it is a manufacturer that led Scandinavian design in the 20th century.
It produced many outstanding artists such as Lisa Larsson and Stig Lindberg, and was a central figure in the ``Mid-Century'' art movement of the mid-20th century in Northern Europe. Even today, it is highly praised for its high artistry, technical ability, and unique design that evokes the Nordic climate.