Joseph Ekberg
Swedish Art Nouveau Potter/Designer

Joseph Ekberg (1877-1945) worked for the Swedish Gustavsberg Porcelain Factory (founded 1827 ) from 1897 until his death in 1945. The factory became well known for its stoneware and tin-glazed earthenware, as well as its porcelain - it was one of only two in the country in the 19th C.

The 22 3/4 inch (60cm) tall porcelain lidded jar on the left was made in 1899, and is thus one of Ekberg's early pieces, made when he was only 22.

Executed in the Art Nouveau style popular at the time, it features stylized fronds and flowers arranged in regular repetition typical of the style. The darker green design was painted as an engobe on the lighter surface and thinner lines scratched back in using the sgraffito technique. The jar could then be glazed with a clear gloss. This pieces was probably colored with copper and/or nickel and fired in an oxidizing atmosphere.

Furhter reading: World Ceramics
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