Andersson Johansson, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s

Ceramics have had a home in Höganäs — which is in Scania County, Sweden — for hundreds of years, with the likes of Höganäsbolaget firing ware in its kilns since at least the early 1800s. While in its early days, it was known as Andersson Johansson, a firm called Höganäs Keramik was the premier manufacturer of Swedish heat-resistant and heat-retentive stoneware in the early 20th century.

Johansson Olofsson and Sigfrid Johansson initially founded what would become Höganäs Keramik in 1909. Olofsson left in 1910 and Karl Andersson stepped in. The firm was called Andersson Johansson for a period, and with durability and functionality driving the early designs over form, its inaugural pieces appeared modest and rustic. The founders later traded under Höganäs Keramik, and the company’s designs increasingly incorporated more vivid glazes and livelier forms, while also maintaining the durability and quality standards that had been synonymous with their output. By 1914, Höganäs Keramik pieces were interesting enough to participate in the Baltic Exhibition in Malmö, Sweden. 

In the 1920s, Höganäs expanded their site in order to broaden their range of offerings and increase their production capabilities. Manufacturing at the firm grew during the 1940s, as they moved to a facility twice the size of their previous factory. In 1948, the company diversified its production to include molds, pots and pans. 

In the 1950s, the company launched the Old Höganäs series, reflecting on the creations that brought their success, while also bringing in notable ceramicists such as John Andersson, Signe Persson-Melin and Hertha Bengtsson to contribute to their growing repertoire of designs. 

Höganäs is now part of the Iittala Group, which was purchased by Fiskars Corporation in 2007, and remains celebrated for centuries of innovations in ceramic production.

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