Description
There is something quietly irresistible about this small bear. Designed by Göran Andersson for Upsala Ekeby in Sweden and produced between 1964 and 1967, it is a modest piece in scale but generous in character. The softly textured surface catches the light in a way that rewards being picked up and turned in the hand — the kind of object that earns its place on a shelf not through spectacle but through presence.
Model 4013G sits within a tradition of small sculptural animals that Upsala Ekeby produced during the mid-century period — pieces that combined playful form with genuine studio craft. The warm earthy brown glaze and stylised, simplified silhouette feel entirely of their era, and entirely timeless.
Details & Specifications
- Designer: Göran Andersson
- Maker: Upsala Ekeby, Sweden
- Model: 4013G
- Era: 1964–1967
- Material: Glazed stoneware
- Colour: Earthy brown glaze
- Markings: Marked to base
- Height: 5 cm (2 inches)
Condition
- Good vintage condition with light wear consistent with age
- Please review the photographs carefully for full condition details
Why It Endures
The appeal of a piece like this lies in exactly what it does not do. It does not demand attention. It simply sits there — warm, tactile, a little wry — and earns its place in a curated collection or on a window ledge beside other small things that matter. For collectors of Swedish mid-century ceramics, Upsala Ekeby pieces from this period represent honest, skilled studio production at an accessible scale. This bear is a fine example of that.
Carefully packed and shipped with tracking from Sweden. Combined shipping is available, and any overages are refunded where possible. US buyers: DDP shipping is available — all customs tariffs and handling fees are included in the shipping price at checkout. No surprise charges on delivery.
