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Upsala Ekeby Sweden
Ingrid Atterberg Sacra Ceramic Pair for Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden
Ingrid Atterberg Sacra Ceramic Pair for Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden
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€260,00 EUR
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€260,00 EUR
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A striking two-piece ceramic pairing from Ingrid Atterberg’s Sacra series, designed for Upsala-Ekeby in Sweden in 1962.
The pair consists of a tall cylindrical vase and a matching low ceramic vessel, both characterised by deeply incised botanical patterns and contrasting dark brown and black surfaces with warm golden tones. The interiors are finished in a smooth, glossy cobalt blue, creating a strong contrast with the more textured exterior.
The combination of tactile surface, rich colour and simple cylindrical forms is characteristic of Atterberg’s approach to mid-century Swedish ceramics. Together, the two pieces create a balanced composition of different heights and proportions.
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About the Series: Sacra
Sacra was designed by Ingrid Atterberg for Upsala-Ekeby in 1962 and produced until 1964. The series includes vases, jars and dishes developed around a common decorative idea: botanical forms translated into a raised relief across the ceramic surface.
Rather than being painted onto the vessel, the decoration is incorporated into the form itself. The relief creates areas of different depth, allowing the glossy glaze to collect differently across the surface and producing variations in colour and intensity.
The palette is characteristic of the series, with earthy combinations of brown, ochre and green. Atterberg kept the underlying forms relatively restrained, allowing the relief and the behaviour of the glaze to provide most of the visual expression.
Sacra was produced in several models and sizes. Seen together, the different forms show how the same relief treatment could change in character according to the proportions and shape of each vessel.
About the Designer: Ingrid Atterberg
Ingrid Atterberg (1920–2008) was a Swedish ceramic artist and designer whose career was closely associated with Upsala-Ekeby during one of the company’s most important periods.
She joined the company in 1944 and remained there until 1963, developing a wide range of ceramic work for industrial production. Her approach was strongly connected to the material itself, and she explored different clay bodies, glazes, textures and firing methods throughout her career.
A recurring characteristic of Atterberg’s work is the relationship between a clearly defined form and an expressive surface. She could work with strong colours and pronounced relief, but also with quieter pieces in which texture, glaze and the natural qualities of the clay became the main elements.
Her work for Upsala-Ekeby covered several different approaches, from decorative series to more experimental ceramic forms. After leaving the company, she continued working independently, developing her practice beyond the limitations of large-scale production.
Atterberg occupies an important place in Swedish post-war ceramics, particularly for the way she combined the possibilities of industrial manufacture with a distinctly personal approach to material, surface and form.
About the Brand: Upsala-Ekeby
Upsala-Ekeby was founded in Uppsala in 1886, with its origins closely connected to the local ceramic industry and the clay deposits in the Ekeby area. The company initially produced bricks, tiles and architectural ceramics before expanding into household and decorative objects.
During the 20th century, Upsala-Ekeby grew considerably through the acquisition of other Swedish manufacturers. Gefle Porslinsfabrik became part of the group in the 1930s, followed by Karlskrona Porslinsfabrik in the 1940s and Rörstrand in 1964. These acquisitions brought several important names in Swedish ceramics and porcelain under the same organisation.
At the same time, the company developed a strong relationship with artists and designers. From the middle of the century, they were given considerable freedom to explore form, relief, colour and glaze, resulting in a remarkably varied body of work. Ingrid Atterberg, Mari Simmulson, Anna-Lisa Thomson and Vicke Lindstrand were among the designers associated with Upsala-Ekeby and its wider group.
The original production site at Ekeby gradually lost its manufacturing role during the 1970s. Ceramic production was moved to a new facility at Steninge, while the remaining production at Ekeby finally came to an end in 1977. The company itself continued beyond the closure of the historic factory, but the Ekeby site marked the end of an important chapter in Swedish ceramic manufacturing.
Upsala-Ekeby’s legacy therefore extends beyond a single factory. Its history brings together industrial ceramics, independent artistic work and some of Sweden’s most influential mid-century designers, making its pieces particularly representative of the development of Swedish ceramic design after the Second World War.
Sacra was designed by Ingrid Atterberg for Upsala-Ekeby in 1962 and produced until 1964. The series includes vases, jars and dishes developed around a common decorative idea: botanical forms translated into a raised relief across the ceramic surface.
Rather than being painted onto the vessel, the decoration is incorporated into the form itself. The relief creates areas of different depth, allowing the glossy glaze to collect differently across the surface and producing variations in colour and intensity.
The palette is characteristic of the series, with earthy combinations of brown, ochre and green. Atterberg kept the underlying forms relatively restrained, allowing the relief and the behaviour of the glaze to provide most of the visual expression.
Sacra was produced in several models and sizes. Seen together, the different forms show how the same relief treatment could change in character according to the proportions and shape of each vessel.
About the Designer: Ingrid Atterberg
Ingrid Atterberg (1920–2008) was a Swedish ceramic artist and designer whose career was closely associated with Upsala-Ekeby during one of the company’s most important periods.
She joined the company in 1944 and remained there until 1963, developing a wide range of ceramic work for industrial production. Her approach was strongly connected to the material itself, and she explored different clay bodies, glazes, textures and firing methods throughout her career.
A recurring characteristic of Atterberg’s work is the relationship between a clearly defined form and an expressive surface. She could work with strong colours and pronounced relief, but also with quieter pieces in which texture, glaze and the natural qualities of the clay became the main elements.
Her work for Upsala-Ekeby covered several different approaches, from decorative series to more experimental ceramic forms. After leaving the company, she continued working independently, developing her practice beyond the limitations of large-scale production.
Atterberg occupies an important place in Swedish post-war ceramics, particularly for the way she combined the possibilities of industrial manufacture with a distinctly personal approach to material, surface and form.
About the Brand: Upsala-Ekeby
Upsala-Ekeby was founded in Uppsala in 1886, with its origins closely connected to the local ceramic industry and the clay deposits in the Ekeby area. The company initially produced bricks, tiles and architectural ceramics before expanding into household and decorative objects.
During the 20th century, Upsala-Ekeby grew considerably through the acquisition of other Swedish manufacturers. Gefle Porslinsfabrik became part of the group in the 1930s, followed by Karlskrona Porslinsfabrik in the 1940s and Rörstrand in 1964. These acquisitions brought several important names in Swedish ceramics and porcelain under the same organisation.
At the same time, the company developed a strong relationship with artists and designers. From the middle of the century, they were given considerable freedom to explore form, relief, colour and glaze, resulting in a remarkably varied body of work. Ingrid Atterberg, Mari Simmulson, Anna-Lisa Thomson and Vicke Lindstrand were among the designers associated with Upsala-Ekeby and its wider group.
The original production site at Ekeby gradually lost its manufacturing role during the 1970s. Ceramic production was moved to a new facility at Steninge, while the remaining production at Ekeby finally came to an end in 1977. The company itself continued beyond the closure of the historic factory, but the Ekeby site marked the end of an important chapter in Swedish ceramic manufacturing.
Upsala-Ekeby’s legacy therefore extends beyond a single factory. Its history brings together industrial ceramics, independent artistic work and some of Sweden’s most influential mid-century designers, making its pieces particularly representative of the development of Swedish ceramic design after the Second World War.
Details
Origin: Sweden
Designer: Ingrid Atterberg
Design year: 1962
Production period: 1962–1964
Brand: Upsala Ekeby Sweden
Series: Sacra
Material: Glazed earthenware
Components: 1 ceramic vase, 1 ceramic bowl
Vase: 17.5 cm H × 10 cm W
Bowl: 9 cm H × 12 cm W
Designer: Ingrid Atterberg
Design year: 1962
Production period: 1962–1964
Brand: Upsala Ekeby Sweden
Series: Sacra
Material: Glazed earthenware
Components: 1 ceramic vase, 1 ceramic bowl
Vase: 17.5 cm H × 10 cm W
Bowl: 9 cm H × 12 cm W
Condition
Excellent vintage condition. The earthenware structures remain solid with no chips or structural cracks. Exterior incised details remain sharp, while the interior cobalt blue glaze retains full gloss depth with no usage scuffs or mineral water deposits.
Care
Hand washing is recommended. Avoid abrasive cleaners to preserve the incised glaze and glossy cobalt interiors.