Mari Simmulson 1964 Upsala Ekeby - vintage Swedish cup - Ceramics

An antique large ashtray/trinket dish and massive Swedish wall plaque in a brutalist style, part of the "Beata" series produced in 1964 by Mari Simmulson for Upsala Ekeby, Sweden. This triangular earthenware bowl features a delicate hand-drawn and painted female face, making each piece unique. This creation is distinguished by its raised purple glazes on the edge and its elegant contrast between the colourful glazed decoration and the dark chamotte clay. Includes a wall mounting system. 1960s. Numbered 4157. Signed on the back m.s (Mari Simmulson) and stamped UE (Upsala Ekeby). Weight: 1.7 kg. Length: 26 cm. Width: 25 cm. Height: 4 cm. After studying art in ceramics, Mari Simmulson worked from 1945 in the Gustavsberg studio, enjoying great freedom to create stoneware pieces. In 1949, she joined the Upsala-Ekeby factory in Uppsala, where she remained until 1971. Mari Simmulson is recognised as one of the important figures in Swedish ceramic design of the mid-20th century, particularly for her decorative figurines and her ability to combine sculptural forms with colourful decoration. Upsala Ekeby was founded in 1886 in Uppsala, in the Ekeby district of Sweden, as a stoneware factory. It was between 1920 and 1960 that Upsala Ekeby reached its peak, becoming one of the major centres of Swedish design by collaborating with numerous artists.