This is a ceramic rhinoceros statue from the Zoo series designed by Lisa Larson for Gustavsberg in 1966. The series name Menagerie refers to a show house where exotic animals are displayed. The series featured hippos, camels, cats, ghost mice, and rhinos. All of them are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, and are based on rare animals with limited habitats.
This is a one-humped camel figurine. If you look closely, you can see that the corners of her mouth are raised as if she is smiling. Most of this work is dark in color, but this one is a rare piece with a candy-colored glaze. At the time this work was created, Lisa Larson was actively researching materials for ceramic statues, and they were made using a new production method called chamotte, which had a more exposed clay feel while also ensuring high durability. . You can feel the texture of chamotte pottery in the texture of the neck and tail.
■Detailed specifications Manufacturer: Gustavsberg / Gustavsberg Designer: Lisa Larson / Lisa Larson Series name: Menageri / Zoo Title: Dromedar / Camel Year: 1966-1976 Country of origin: Sweden Condition: ★★★★★ (5: Complete) product)
It is in perfect condition, with no cracks, chips, or penetrations, preserving its appearance at the time of production.
■Size
Width 10.5cm Height 11cm Depth 6cm
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.