Vase or Pitcher Zoomorph in Ceramic by Elsi Bourelius for Jie Gantofta, Sweden, 1960s

Elsi Bourelius (b. 1909 - d. 2001)

Elsi was born Elsi Wahlquist, in Kalmar, Sweden and was a ceramist and a watercolour artist. She studied at the Stockholm Higher School of Art from 1929 to 1934 and as a scholar of the Swedish Crafts Association, she studied at the Handwerkerschule der Stadt Berlin from 1936 to 1937 before embarking on self-studies trips to Denmark and the Netherlands. Upon her return to Sweden, Elsi practiced her art at Steninge Keramik and Gabrielverken before she opening her own workshop in Gamla Stan, Stockholm. Her work involved a broad range of utility and ornamental items and her figures have since become popular amongst collectors. From 1965 to 1973, she also designed several objects for Jie Gantofta, amongst others, she became well known for her 'Skånetösen' figure. Her early works are signed ''elsi'' and later works were signed with her full name ''Elsi Bourelius.

Jie Gantofta (1942 - 1992)

The company was founded by John Evert ''Jie'' Johnson in Helsingborg in 1942. They manufactured small articles in wood that were often supplemented with glass or ceramics. The company grew and in 1944, Jie moved the business to Gantofta. At this time, wooden goods were still being made, but Jie would go on to begin producing his own ceramics from 1952. Despite being host to many ceramists and designers such as Anita Nylund, Elsi Bourelius, Ulla Winblad and Lisa Larsson; sadly the company would eventually succumb to bankruptcy in 1992. The brand Jie Gantofta would be bought by a Portuguese company who moved production abroad.