This large, hand-painted sugar bowl was produced by Lisa Larson in 1993 at her K Studio, a workshop she established within Gustavsberg. A vibrant cobalt blue flows freely around the rounded body, creating a bold composition that leaves space for the white porcelain. The brush strokes are directly reflected in the bowl's character, and even with the same design, no two pieces are alike - this is a piece that allows you to enjoy the "imprint of the hand" that cannot be obtained with mass-produced items.
The painting was done by Lisa herself, and the bottom has been handwritten with the words "Lisa Larson / K Studio / Gustavsberg / Sweden." The signature is an important point that clearly shows that this piece is a studio product and that it was completed by the artist.
After leaving Gustavsberg in 1979, Lisa was welcomed back to the company, where an environment was created allowing her to focus on her creative work. These K Studio works were created during what could be considered a "restart at the studio" after she had become a world-renowned artist. Lisa's work from the 1990s, backed by mature ceramic techniques that differed from those of the mid-century period, was a time of greater freedom in ceramic experimentation, including the transparency and color development of glazes and the use of white space. The contrast of blue and white in this work retains the freshness reminiscent of masterpieces from her Gustavsberg period, while also possessing a more refined, open feel, making it a perfect addition to modern dining tables and Japanday spaces.
This lidded container can be used to store not only sugar, but also salt, spices, candy, tea bags, and small accessories. Just by placing it, it becomes a beautiful piece of art, standing on the border between crafts and everyday items.
■Detailed specifications
Manufacturer: Keramik Studion Gustavsberg / Gustavsberg K Studio Designer: Lisa Larson / Lisa Larson Era: 1990s Country of origin: Sweden Condition: ★★★★★ (5: Complete)
It is in perfect condition with no cracks, chips, or crazing, and no signs of wear from storage. It has never been used, but there is a slight gap in the lid (see photos) which is an original individual difference.
■Size
Height 12cm, diameter 12cm
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.
