This is a standing statue of a mother and child created by Lisa Larson during her time at Gustavsberg. At an impressive 44cm tall, it is more of a statue than a decorative ornament. The vibrant blue of the turban and dress make this a truly exceptional piece.
This work is, It is thought to be a one-of-a-kind piece made around the same time as the mother and child statue in the "Afrika" series.
This work is different in character from mass-produced statues of mothers and children. While mass-produced statues have no facial expression and the child is carried on the back, this work has a detailed expression reminiscent of an African woman and child, and is depicted holding a child from the front.
This piece also features beautiful shades of blue glaze and varying brush strokes. The blue is extremely vivid, and the uneven surface gives the color depth and richness. The handiwork of the maker, Lisa Larson, is clearly visible.
While many of Lisa Larson's unique pieces are animals or single figures, the large standing statues depicting the relationship between mother and child are rare as motifs in themselves. They are also highly collectible.
Lisa began working at Gustavsberg in 1954 (basic information on her tenure), and within the context of the studio, she left behind "strongly artistic works" that differed from mass-produced works. Viewed along those lines, this statue can be interpreted as an attempt to sculpt a quiet strength rather than soften the image of "motherhood." The stable center of gravity at the front, the innocent expression of the child she is holding, and the blue that tightens the space create a core for viewing that will withstand the test of time.
The bottom of the piece is hand-signed by "Lisa L." While mass-produced pieces are signed with a brush, each piece is unique in that the signature is engraved into the clay before being fired in a kiln.
■Detailed specifications
Manufacturer: Gustavsberg Designer: Lisa Larson Title: Woman with child / Mother and child statue Date: Around the 1980s (estimated)
Country of origin: Sweden Technique: embossed + hand-painted (pressed, painted decor)
Signature: "Lisa L" autograph on the bottom Condition: ★★★★★ (5: Perfect)
Note: Please understand that the texture (variation in the glaze, variations in color, and individual differences in appearance) are unique characteristics that come from the production process.
■Size: Height 44cm, Width 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.
