Josef Ekberg

Josef Ekberg (February 18, 1877 – December 7, 1945) was a Swedish designer who worked at Gustavsberg Porcelain Factory from 1889 until his death in 1945.
Ekberg was born in Värmdö, Sweden. His father was an organ maker by profession. Ekberg began working in the Gustavsberg Porcelain Factory aged 12. He started out as a helper in the factory and eventually progressed to the post of painter. His first designs were simple landscape motifs. From 1908 until 1917 he was the artistic leader of the factory. He developed the sgrafitto and luster glazes.
Ekberg was also a good friend of Gunnar Wennerberg. In 1898 the two developed the Sgraffito technique and several designs together in the 1890s. Some of their designs attracted the attention of ironmaster Odelberg. They also exhibited at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1900.