A uniquely shaped ceramic statue called Social Debate (Samhällsdebatten) designed by Lisa Larsson for Gustavsberg in 1969. This is a unique work in which a sturdy woman powerfully lifts up a gentleman in a tuxedo.
There is an anecdote behind the production.At the initial prototype stage, the composition was reversed, with a man lifting a woman, but there was a durability problem with the man's legs, so the composition was changed to a woman lifting a man, and it became sturdy. It seems that the strength has been secured.
Sweden is known as a country of equal rights for men and women, and around 1970, when this work was designed, was a time when social activities called ``women's equality programs'' were active. This work perfectly matches the historical background of Scandinavia, which was the first country in the world to implement what is now called gender equality. This work was originally designed as a gift for a wedding, but it has been interpreted in many ways as it contains various messages. This is one of the ceramic statues representing Lisa Larson's mid-career.
■Details Manufacturer: Gustavsberg Designer: Lisa Larson Title: Lilla Samhällsdebatten / Social debate, public debate Era: 1969-1974 Country of production: Sweden Condition: ★★★★★ (5: Complete)
This is a complete product that retains its original appearance. It is in perfect condition with no cracks or chips and the original seal is still intact.
■Size Width 18.5cm Depth 9.5cm Height 23cm
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.