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Upsala Ekeby
Small Vase Agave – Mari Simmulson for Upsala Ekeby, Sweden
Small Vase Agave – Mari Simmulson for Upsala Ekeby, Sweden
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€65,00 EUR
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€65,00 EUR
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A rare mid-century low vase from the Agave series, designed by Mari Simmulson for Upsala Ekeby and produced between 1967 and 1969. Compact and sculptural, this piece embodies Simmulson's distinctive approach to natural motifs—tactile, rhythmic, and quietly expressive.
The surface features layered earthy glazes in deep greens and charcoal, with subtle incised details that evoke the geometry of agave leaves. The interplay of matte and glossy tones adds depth and variation, making each piece unique.
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About the Agave Series
The Agave series represents one of Mari Simmulson's more organic and nature-inspired works for Upsala Ekeby during the late 1960s. It explores the sculptural beauty of plant forms through incised leaf patterns and layered, earth-toned glazes that vary from deep moss to charcoal grey.
Produced for a short period between 1967 and 1969, the series reflects Simmulson's refined sense of balance between surface decoration and form—expressive yet harmonious. The compact, low forms of the Agave series make them particularly versatile, working equally well as vases for small branches or as sculptural objects displayed on their own. The limited production period makes Agave pieces relatively rare and highly sought after by collectors.
About the Designer: Mari Simmulson
Mari Simmulson (1911–2000) was one of Sweden's most celebrated ceramic artists of the postwar era. Of Estonian origin, she joined Upsala Ekeby in 1949 and worked there for over two decades, creating a remarkable range of decorative and sculptural pieces.
Her ceramics are known for their vivid surfaces, strong graphic identity, and a deep connection to nature and the human figure. Simmulson had a particular talent for creating textured surfaces and bold patterns that invited both visual and tactile appreciation. Her work evolved throughout her career, from the bold relief patterns of the Angelina series to the more organic, earth-toned explorations of the Agave series.
Her work is held in major museum collections and remains highly collectible, valued for its artistic merit and its role in defining Swedish studio pottery of the mid-20th century.
About the Brand: Upsala Ekeby
Founded in 1886 in Uppsala, Sweden, Upsala Ekeby became one of the country's most important ceramic manufacturers. The company gained international recognition in the mid-20th century for its art pottery and collaborations with talented designers like Mari Simmulson, Anna-Lisa Thomson, and Ingrid Atterberg.
During the late 1960s, when this vase was created, Upsala Ekeby continued to produce innovative studio pottery that balanced artistic expression with functional design. The factory combined traditional ceramic techniques with contemporary design sensibilities, creating pieces that were both artistically ambitious and beautifully crafted.
Upsala Ekeby ceased production in 1978, and vintage pieces from the Simmulson era are now highly sought after by collectors worldwide for their quality, design integrity, and historical significance.
Compact, earthy, and beautifully balanced, this Agave vase by Mari Simmulson captures the essence of Upsala Ekeby's late-1960s artistry—natural, textural, and timeless. The layered glazes create a surface that reveals new depths with every angle of light, while the incised agave leaf patterns add subtle geometric interest. The low, sculptural form makes it perfect for small spaces, side tables, or grouped displays. Whether used to hold a single stem or displayed as a sculptural object, this piece brings the quiet strength of Scandinavian modernism to any interior. A collectible piece of Nordic ceramic design from a rare and brief production period, ready to be treasured for generations to come.
The Agave series represents one of Mari Simmulson's more organic and nature-inspired works for Upsala Ekeby during the late 1960s. It explores the sculptural beauty of plant forms through incised leaf patterns and layered, earth-toned glazes that vary from deep moss to charcoal grey.
Produced for a short period between 1967 and 1969, the series reflects Simmulson's refined sense of balance between surface decoration and form—expressive yet harmonious. The compact, low forms of the Agave series make them particularly versatile, working equally well as vases for small branches or as sculptural objects displayed on their own. The limited production period makes Agave pieces relatively rare and highly sought after by collectors.
About the Designer: Mari Simmulson
Mari Simmulson (1911–2000) was one of Sweden's most celebrated ceramic artists of the postwar era. Of Estonian origin, she joined Upsala Ekeby in 1949 and worked there for over two decades, creating a remarkable range of decorative and sculptural pieces.
Her ceramics are known for their vivid surfaces, strong graphic identity, and a deep connection to nature and the human figure. Simmulson had a particular talent for creating textured surfaces and bold patterns that invited both visual and tactile appreciation. Her work evolved throughout her career, from the bold relief patterns of the Angelina series to the more organic, earth-toned explorations of the Agave series.
Her work is held in major museum collections and remains highly collectible, valued for its artistic merit and its role in defining Swedish studio pottery of the mid-20th century.
About the Brand: Upsala Ekeby
Founded in 1886 in Uppsala, Sweden, Upsala Ekeby became one of the country's most important ceramic manufacturers. The company gained international recognition in the mid-20th century for its art pottery and collaborations with talented designers like Mari Simmulson, Anna-Lisa Thomson, and Ingrid Atterberg.
During the late 1960s, when this vase was created, Upsala Ekeby continued to produce innovative studio pottery that balanced artistic expression with functional design. The factory combined traditional ceramic techniques with contemporary design sensibilities, creating pieces that were both artistically ambitious and beautifully crafted.
Upsala Ekeby ceased production in 1978, and vintage pieces from the Simmulson era are now highly sought after by collectors worldwide for their quality, design integrity, and historical significance.
Compact, earthy, and beautifully balanced, this Agave vase by Mari Simmulson captures the essence of Upsala Ekeby's late-1960s artistry—natural, textural, and timeless. The layered glazes create a surface that reveals new depths with every angle of light, while the incised agave leaf patterns add subtle geometric interest. The low, sculptural form makes it perfect for small spaces, side tables, or grouped displays. Whether used to hold a single stem or displayed as a sculptural object, this piece brings the quiet strength of Scandinavian modernism to any interior. A collectible piece of Nordic ceramic design from a rare and brief production period, ready to be treasured for generations to come.
Details
What's Included
1 Agave vase by Mari Simmulson
Designed for Upsala Ekeby, Sweden
Original 1967-1969 production
Signed and stamped "UE" and "ms" on the base
Detailed Measurements
Height: [measurement needed]
Form: Low vase/jug
Material: Stoneware with hand-applied glaze
Color: Dark green, grey, and black tones
Production period: 1967–1969
1 Agave vase by Mari Simmulson
Designed for Upsala Ekeby, Sweden
Original 1967-1969 production
Signed and stamped "UE" and "ms" on the base
Detailed Measurements
Height: [measurement needed]
Form: Low vase/jug
Material: Stoneware with hand-applied glaze
Color: Dark green, grey, and black tones
Production period: 1967–1969
Condition
The piece is signed and stamped "UE" and "ms" on the base, confirming authenticity. The layered glazes in deep greens and charcoal are well-preserved. The incised details evoking agave leaf geometry remain crisp. The interplay of matte and glossy tones is intact. Signature slightly visible underneath.
Minor wear may be present. No chips, cracks, or repairs. As with all vintage pieces, this item may show signs of previous use and age. Any such marks are signs of authenticity, not flaws, and add to its unique character.
Minor wear may be present. No chips, cracks, or repairs. As with all vintage pieces, this item may show signs of previous use and age. Any such marks are signs of authenticity, not flaws, and add to its unique character.
Care
Clean gently with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth. Avoid soaking or using abrasive cleaners that could damage the layered glazes and incised details. For indoor decorative use only.