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Published 14th October 2010
Abstract Animals
Weird and wonderful things can turn up in the day to day life at an auction house. Just such an occasion happened recently when these fascinating animals appeared lurking in the bottom of a box which had been brought into the saleroom to be sold….unbeknown to the owner what they were.
Such distinctive designs wouldn’t be out of place in a cartoon, but the unique characterization points to the work of renowned Swedish designer Lisa Larson.
Designed by Lisa Larson for the Gustavsberg Pottery from the 1950’s onwards, each animal has been sensitively transformed into an almost abstract form. The angular cat, curled cat and fox were potted c.1956 and form part of the ‘Lilla Zoo’ series, whilst the tigers belong to the ‘Afrika’ range produced in 1964 which also included a lion in the same vein. Some pieces bear impressed factory marks and some have even retained the original paper labels.
Larson’s highly regarded work is represented in the National Museum of Stockholm along with other museums in Europe, Japan and the USA.
The Gustavsberg Pottery based near Stockholm has its roots dating back to the late eighteenth century. It has success during the nineteenth century making china in the style of English creamware. It was during the twentieth century that the firm embraced modernism when potter Wilhelm Kage, (who studied under Matisse) joined and became artistic director. Lisa Larson joined and her designs were at the height of cutting edge in the 1950’s.
The collection will be offered in Richard Winterton’s Fine Art Sale in Lichfield on 17th November. Final entries of jewellery, silver, ceramics and pictures for the sale are currently being invited. Contact Adrian Rathbone at the Auctioneers on 01543 251081 for further information.
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