C20Ceramics

Jun 19

Arabia Finland – Esteri Tomula Mystery Design

This design has eluded me for some time. I have looked through hundred of designs by Esteri Tomula, and haven’t seen this particular one anywhere.

It is on a very large form you don’t see often, used around 1971-1973 and I believe it is the “TH/5” shape, and it is huge, at about 600ml.

It would have originally had a saucer to go with it. It is hand painted in deep cobalt blue on a white ground, and appears to be a flower of some description. Any readers who have any of this design, or happen to know its name I would love to know.! It may have been just a design for a cup, or on other dinnerware items.

Jun 10

Upsala Ekeby Gefle, Sweden – Arabesk Design

I have had hold of this impressive and very graphic looking design for some time and as often happens designs and designers are revealed over time. Fortunately thanks to Johan on Instagram the design has finally been identified, so Im putting it up here as a reference.

The design is “Arabesk” and It is a very hard to find design from 1959, but the designer is unknown. It was produced at Upsala-Ekeby Gefle in Sweden.

There is a good and concise history of this iconic Swedish company and its iterations on Wikipedia HERE

Upsala Ekeby Arabesk, Photo Ray Garrod

May 23

Charles Voltz – Vallauris Pottery

Charles Voltz (1923-1997) moved to Vallauris France in 1950, where he had a studio for many years. His ceramics was in the typical exuberant mid-century Vallauris style with colourful and often highly textured or patterned glazes.Picasso, along with Roger Capron were significant contributors to the profile of Ceramics in Vallauris, together other names such as Roger Collet, Gilbert Portanier, Jean Derval and Charles Voltz.