Gustavsberg | Svart Ruta | Björquist | Björquist

I've overlooked this little beauty for too long. It looks like model A but the bottom is sloped smoothly upwards and then tilts inwards at an angle. It's about the size of a model A size 2 teacup, and on flintware as opposed to bone china. 

Karin Björquist produced Svart Ruta (Black box/check) which is simple, strong and reminiscent of art deco. When you hold it up close, you can see that each check is a single paintbrush stroke, which means it is also utterly precise. Since she did the artwork, it's also likely she created the design of the cup. Other svart ruta sets have been noted as being produced c. 1953.

It's interesting to compare it with Baffi B which is done in a similar fashion with one paintstroke per check (see the last picture). I've selected good as the condition; it has no crazing, but there is a small chip on the bottom of the cup (invisible when its the right way up) and a nick in the rim, not where the lips touch the cup (thank goodness). This is reflected in the price.