Artists Other Artists Paul Hoff Archipelago

Paul Hoff – Birds from the Archipelago (Arkipelag) from Gustavsberg

Paul Hoff’s ”Archipelago” (Arkipelag) series contains some of his most beloved birds. They are made of stoneware with lifelike and heartwarming expression. Find your favorite among Paul's archipelago birds or learn more about them by reading the overwiew.

Paul Hoff (Archipelago 1980s) Lovely Loon 20/10 cm

$61

Paul Hoff (Archipelago 1980s) Gorgeous Goldeneye Kid 9 cm <Early Production>

$34

Paul Hoff (Archipelago 1990s) Gorgeous Goldeneye (Female)

$21

Paul Hoff (Archipelago 1980s) Gorgeous Goldeneye Kid 9 cm <Early Production> (2)

$37

Paul Hoff (Archipelago 1990s) Eye-Catching Eider (Female)

$18

Paul Hoff (Archipelago 1980s) Lovely Large Common Goldeneye

$28

Paul Hoff (Archipelago 1980s) Cool Coot Kid 8 cm

$37

Paul Hoff (Archipelago 1980s) Eider Mom and Kid 11–20 cm / 7–9 cm

$73

Paul Hoff's Series "Archipelago" – An Overview

Paul Hoff began to design the "Arkipelag" (Archipelago) birds for the Gustavsberg Porcelain Factory in the early 1970s. The figurines depict common bird species on the Swedish coast.

"Archipelago became my first artwork series that was produced in large quantities. The unglazed design got popular – perhaps because of the raw tone with patterns in black and red oxide."

The series consists of fifteen birds designed over a longer period. They are made of stoneware with natural looking shapes and hand-painted decor. The figurines are still manufactured - now at the Ceramic Studio Gustavsberg. The birds who were crafted in the 1970s and 1980s may have stamped feet on the lower side.

Here is a complete overview of the Archipelago birds:

Paul Hoff during the 1980s with Archipelago birds in the background

Paul Hoff Ejder hona hane unge Åda Guding

Eider Family: "Åda" (Female Eider), length 21 cm / 8.3 in. "Guding" (Male Eider), length 19 cm / 7.5 in. "Ejderunge" (Eider Kid) length 10 cm / 3.9 in.

Goldeneye Family: "Knipa hona" (Female Goldeneye), length 17 cm / 6.7 in. "Knipa unge stående" (Goldeneye Standing Kid), height 8 cm / 3.1 in. "Knipa unge liggande" (Goldeneye Laying Kid), length 6 cm / 2.4 in.