This ceramic tile of a couple standing together under an apple tree was designed by Lisa Larson at Gustavsberg in 1977. Gustavsberg had a department called G-Studion, separate from the mass-produced products line, where famous designers such as Stig Lindberg and Lisa Larson produced art works. This is a work made in that atelier. It was made in a limited edition of 950 pieces, and the back is signed by Lisa Larson.
There are three types of Apple Tree ceramic panels: one for newlyweds, one for middle-aged men, and one for old men. Each panel depicts the same couple, but they are depicted growing older under the apple tree. As the apple ages, its color changes from blue to yellow. The color changes to deep red. This ceramic plate is from his old age. The ripe red fruit symbolizes a mature husband and wife relationship.
Lisa Larson's ceramic panels are generally flat, even if they are thick, but this is a rare ceramic panel with a striking three-dimensional feel. It expresses the dignity of the husband standing tall in a three-piece suit and the faithfulness of the wife with her hands clasped together, making this a heartfelt piece that symbolizes marital love with the couple embracing each other in a harmonious embrace.
It is quite large, measuring over 30cm in height and weighing about 3kg, making it a very impressive piece.
■Details Manufacturer: Gustavsberg Designer: Lisa Larson Year: 1977
Condition: ★★★★★ (5: Complete)
There is no notable damage and the item is in perfect condition and in its original condition. The serial numbers have been concealed as a consideration for collectors. If you would like to know the number, please contact us by email.
■Size: Height 33.5cm, Width 27cm, Thickness 4.5cm (maximum width)
Gustavsberg's G-Studion
Apart from the mass production line, Gustavsberg had a department called G-Studion. Famous designers such as Willhelm Koge, Stig Lindberg and Lisa Larsson created their artwork here.
Founded in 1942, G Studio was a group of artists, designers, craftsmen and illustrators whose activities ranged from creative work to exhibition ceramics, public space art production and industrial design. . It operated until 1993 and served as an ``aesthetic laboratory''. It was also responsible for providing design ideas for Gustavsberg's mass-produced products.
G-Studio was a renovated atelier in an old building from a ceramics factory in Gustavsberg, and was a hub for more than 100 artists and craftsmen. It is no exaggeration to say that Gustavsberg's ceramic tradition of the 20th century originated from here. It was a centerpiece of the Swedish art and design world and served as a breeding ground for new creativity.
Each piece of G Studio's work is handmade, and there are videos showing the production process. The video shows a man wearing round glasses, designer Stig Lindberg. And on the right side you can see Willhelm Koge, who was the studio director.
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.