Design Inspiration: Remembering Eva Zeisel (1906-2011)

You definitely know Eva Zeisel. The late ceramicist and designer, who recently passed away at the age of 105 on December 30, 2011, was not only the oldest but also one of the most prolific and well-regarded designers of the 20th century. She was known for her playful ceramics featuring sensuous curves and organic shapes, which have long been admired by design lovers and collectors alike.

Born in Hungary in 1906 to a Jewish family, Zeisel developed a passion for pottery at an early age and got her start in Russia as the state's artistic director of the china and glass industry. But ultimately, Zeisel was an artist and she was on a quest that she called her "playful search for beauty." No doubt she was devoted to this artistic journey as evidenced by her never-ending pursuit to create her remarkable ceramics and other works through collaborations with companies like the porcelain manufacturer KleinReid and the retailer Crate & Barrel, even in her late years in the 21st-century. Her last hurrah to playfulness and beauty will be a new collection of glass lamps that she designed just before her death and which is set to be released in early 2012.

Flip through the slideshow below to look back on some of our favorite works by the legendary designer Eva Zeisel. And also check out her inspiring Ted talk when she was 98 years old.