This is a unique, one-of-a-kind flower vase from Carolin by Lisa Larson. While mass-produced Carolin pieces are known for their predominantly blue appearance, this piece deviates significantly from that, becoming a special piece finished with a brown glaze. The muted amber and deep brown tones emerge in sync with the warmth of the clay, creating a unique look that can only be achieved with vintage pottery.
Another defining feature of this piece is its decoration. While the regular version features striking, neat geometric patterns, this one contains intentionally drawn motifs. The irregular lines and layout retain the breath and rhythm of the maker, creating a sense of dynamism that cannot be achieved with mass-produced items. Carolin is a piece that conveys the playful spirit of Lisa Larson herself, and the artist's handiwork is the focal point.
The side of the dish is inscribed with the spelling "DressinG." The final "G" is capitalized, which is particularly striking and is likely a playful nod to the initials of Gustavsberg. While the design appears to indicate the use of the dish, the artist's witty touch is also incorporated, adding to the charm not found in mass-produced items.
The shape is elegant, and even with just a few flowers added it becomes a painting, or it stands as an object even without flowers. The shades of the glaze and the expression of the brushstrokes vary from piece to piece, and no two are alike. Borrowing from Carolin's framework, it is a masterpiece worthy of being called a collector's piece, condensing the artist's own free and experimental spirit.
■Detailed specifications Manufacturer: Gustavsberg Series: Karolin Designer: Lisa Larson Year: 1964-1971 Condition: ★★★★★ (5: Complete)
This is a deadstock item in excellent condition, making it one of the best vintage items available on the market.
■Size: Diameter 8.5cm, Height 17.8cm
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.
