Today, the name Svenskt Tenn is associated around the world with the vibrant, modernist textiles and furniture of Josef Frank, who was the Swedish company’s chief designer in the mid-20th century. But the term “svenskt tenn” actually means “Swedish pewter,” and the very first goods the company sold were stylish pewter objects, such as an elegant 1927 candelabra found in the collection of the Saint Louis Art Museum, or a sleek, understated mirror in the collection of the National Museum of Fine Arts. These pieces were designed to appeal to discerning but price-conscious shoppers in 1920s-era Stockholm.
Art teacher and interior designer Estrid Ericson (1894–1981) partnered with pewter artisan Nils Fougstedt (1881–1954) to establish Svenskt Tenn in 1924, and their creations quickly gained a reputation for high quality and affordability, winning a gold medal at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris in 1925 — the design fair that brought global attention to the Art Deco style.
The experience of renovating her own apartment in the 1920s exposed Ericson to Swedish functionalism — or funkis, as it was known in Sweden — a branch of modernism that advocated uncomplicated forms, subdued colors and utility. She was inspired to open an interior design department at Svenskt Tenn, and in 1930 the firm introduced its first line of furniture.
Selections included items produced by the companies Gemla and Bodafors, as well as original designs by Ericson and the architects Uno Åhrén and Björn Trägårdh, who had worked together on the redesign and expansion of the showroom. The trio’s furniture was displayed at Stockholm’s Galleri Modern in 1931, where it was met with praise from critic Gotthard Johansson, a leading proponent of Swedish functionalism. Johansson admired the “pure lines” and “modern austerity” of the furniture, establishing Svenskt Tenn as an important voice in Swedish design.
But the signature partnership that would come to define the look of Svenskt Tenn was in part the result of political turmoil and the emergence of Nazism in Europe. When Josef Frank fled Vienna for Stockholm in 1933, he was already an accomplished architect who questioned modernist orthodoxy in design. He disliked tubular steel furniture and believed that monochromatic surfaces were distressing to viewers, while pattern and ornament gave interiors a sense of warmth and calm. Ericson was an admirer of Frank’s work, and offered him the chance to design products for Svenskt Tenn. Their professional partnership, particularly in textile design, would eventually become one of the hallmarks of Swedish modernism.
Frank and Ericson collaborated from 1934 until Frank’s death in 1967, with Frank creating unmistakable, bold designs and Ericson employing her flair for interiors, merchandising and display. The pair called their shared approach “Accidentism” or “The Happy Chances Philosophy,” mixing and matching the new and antique, the serious with the playful and pattern with solid colors to find eclectic new combinations in their showroom.
Frank’s textiles are like a visual catalogue of exotic plants and flowers, geological formations and maps, inspired in part by Ericson’s world travels and by Frank’s love of folk art. Svenskt Tenn continues to sell fabric, wallpaper and household goods, many of which sport variations of Frank's signature botanical motifs. Antique and vintage Svenskt Tenn pewter, lighting, furniture, textiles and decorative objects are generally priced anywhere from $2,500 to $25,000 depending on scale and condition.
The tenets of Scandinavian modernism are as fresh and relevant now as they were in the 1950s — light-filled and airy rooms with white walls are perfect settings for comfortable furniture upholstered in one of Josef Frank’s indelible patterns, and nearly a century since its founding, the signature aesthetic of Svenskt Tenn remains as distinctive and timeless as ever.
Find antique and vintage Svenskt Tenn mirrors, seating, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Set of Swedish Grace Pewter Candle Sconces, 1930s, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Pewter Wall Candle Sconces made by Svensk Tenn. A fine duo for a beautiful home. * Pair (2) of Pewter Wall Candlestick Holders * Manufacturer: Svenskt Tenn * Year: est. 1930...
Pewter
Swedish Modern - Large pewter vase - Ernst Svedbom, Svenskt Tenn 1960's
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant pewter vase designed by Ernst Svedbom for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, circa 1960s. This beautifully balanced vessel features a classical amphora form with sweeping sculptural handl...
Pewter
Set of Swedish Grace Pewter Mirror Candle Sconces by JL. Hultman, 1930s, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Mirror Wall Candle Sconces made by JL. Hultman, Sweden circa 1930s. A fine duo for a beautiful place. * Pewter wall mirror candlestick ho...
Pewter
An iconic pewter bowl by Anna Petrus for Firma Svenskt Tenn 1928 / Swedish Grace
By Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn, Anna Petrus
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful solid pewter bowl with lion paws, decor of flowers and leafs. Designed by Anna Petrus and Estrid Ericson for Firma Svenskt Tenn (celebrated 100 years 2024). This bowl ...
Pewter
Art Deco Pewter Globe Vase by Nils Fougstedt for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1930.
By Josef Frank, Just Andersen, Svenskt Tenn, Estrid Ericson, Nils Fougstedt
Located in Malmö, SE
A stunning pewter bowl with brass details and wood handles. Designed by Nils Fougstedt in 1929 and made from 1930 by Firma Svenskt Tenn, Stockholm, Sweden. This vase is made in 2017....
Pewter, Brass
Svenskt Tenn Art Deco Pewter Vase, Tiered Design, Sweden, 1935
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Striking Art Deco pewter vase designed and crafted by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, circa 1935. This elegant piece features a tiered, stepped body with a flared rim and rests on a sculptural...
Pewter
Svenskt Tenn Adam and Eve Pewter and Wood Art Deco Decorative Box, Sweden 1920s
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid Svenskt Tenn Adam and Eve Pewter and Wood Art Deco Decorative Box, Swedish Grace Sweden 1920s
Pewter
20th Century Silver Swedish Svenskt Tenn Candle Holder by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A silver, vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish " Vänskapsknuten " candle holder made of handcrafted silvered metal, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in good conditi...
Metal
1930s Swedish Pewter Handled Vase by Svenskt Tenn Handarbete
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Great art deco Swedish vase in pewter. Produced by Svenskt Tenn Handarbete. Nice simple lines would work in so many interior styles
Pewter
1940s Josef Frank Swedish Silver Candelabra by Svenskt Tenn
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1940s, Sweden. Designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, this silver piece features elegant scalloped edges, fluting, and hangers. The manufacturer’s and designer’s mark ...
Silver
Polished Pewter Amphora Vase by J.L.H. for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1930s
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant and timeless, this polished pewter amphora vase was designed by J.L.H.) for the iconic Swedish design house Svenskt Tenn in the 1930s. Featuring graceful double scroll handle...
Pewter
Pair of Swedish Modern Brass candle-sticks Lars Holmström for Svenskt Tenn, 1950
By Josef Frank, Gunnar Ander, Svenskt Tenn, Pierre Forssell
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant pair of Swedish Modern candlesticks in solid brass, dating from the 1950s. Each piece features a central tubular element designed to hold one candle. This central element is ...
Brass
Pewter and brass Jewelry box by Nils Fougstedt for Svenskt Tenn, 1953
By Nils Fougstedt, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Hägersten, SE
Jewelry box designed by Nils Fougstedt. Produced by Firma Svenskt Tenn, this example made in 1953. Made from pewter with brass edges. Good vintage condition with age related patina a...
Brass, Pewter
Swedish Grace Pewter Bowl with Polar Bears by Lundin & Lindberg, 1930s, Sweden
By Lundin & Lindberg, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Værløse, DK
Swedish Grace Pewter Bowl on Foot with Polar Bears made by Lundin & Lindberg in 1930s. * Pewter Bowl on Foot with Polar Bears * Designer: Lundin & Lindberg * Country: Sweden * Year...
Pewter
Swedish Grace Pewter Candlesticks by Ernst Swedbom, 1930s, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant Art Nouveau Pewter Candleholders designed by Ernest Swedbom in the 1930s. * Set (2) of pewter candlestick holders. * Manufacturer: Ernst Swedbom * Country: Sweden * Year: 1...
Pewter
Lidded Pewter Box by Edlunds Silverfabrik for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1928, Stockholm. Pewter box features three feet and a lid topped with a bird-shaped knob. The makers mark is stamped on the underside.
Pewter
$461Sale Price / set|20% Off
Elegant Svenskt Tenn Pewter Candlesticks – Timeless Swedish Grace Accent
By Svenskt Tenn, Just Andersen
Located in Bochum, NRW
Pair of Pewter Candlesticks by Svenskt Tenn – Swedish Grace Design, Sweden 1933 Svenskt Tenn is the iconic Swedish design house known for its timeless craftsmanship and refined aesth...
Pewter
Nils Fougstedt Pewter Box for Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1986
By Nils Fougstedt, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Nils Fougstedt (1881-1954), Pewter Box for Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1986 This is an exquisite tin box adorned with intricate meadow flowers in relief. The delicate floral patterns bring ...
Brass, Pewter
Brass Candlestick 'Vanskapsknuten' by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1938
By Nils Fougstedt, Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank, Just Andersen
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful brass candle holder with amazing patina. Designed by Josef Frank in 1938 and made by Firma Svenskt Tenn, Stockholm, Sweden. Excellent condition. Architect and designe...
Brass
Brass Candlestick 'Vanskapsknuten' by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1938
By Nils Fougstedt, Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn, Just Andersen, Josef Frank
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful brass candle holder with amazing patina. Designed by Josef Frank in 1938 and made by Firma Svenskt Tenn, Stockholm, Sweden. Old production, this is made in the 1940s. G...
Brass
Swedish Modern Brass Candelabra by Lars Holmström for Svenskt Tenn, 1950
By Josef Frank, Gunnar Ander, Pierre Forssell, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Brussels, Brussels
A striking candelabra in solid brass, designed by Lars Holmström for Svenskt Tenn. This sculptural piece features a sinuous, tubular structure rising from a circular base, supporting...
Brass
$1,425Sale Price|25% Off
A vase by Svenkst Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Long Island City, NY
A vintage vase produced by Svenkst Tenn. Sweden Circa 1940s. Pewter and brass. Marked " Modern Metallkunst Svenkst Tenn".
Pewter
1930s Art Deco Swedish Polished Pewter Handled Vase/Jug by JL Hultman
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Makers mark engraved on underside. With an ornate leaf-shaped mouth and a geometric brass meander decoration. Dent on backside.
Pewter
Art Deco Pewter Bowl - Nude Relief by Nordiska Juvelaktiebolaget, Sweden 1937
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
An evocative Swedish Art Deco pewter bowl produced by Nordiska Juvelaktiebolaget (NJ) during the 1930s. This finely crafted piece features a bas-relief of a nude female figure kneeli...
Pewter
Midcentury Scandinavian Pewter jar by Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1954
By Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant pewter jar by Estrid Ericson, in a cylinder form. Brass rims around the edges for a warm contrast against the dusty grey.
Brass, Pewter
Midcentury Scandinavian Pewter jar by Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1954
By Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Lovely pewter jar by Estrid Ericson, in a cylinder form. Brass rims around the edges, adorned with a banded agate stone in red and white nuances.
Brass, Pewter
Tobacco jar by HARALD LINDER
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Long Island City, NY
Tobacco jar by HARALD LINDER. Pewter for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden. Circa 1920th/30th. The sides with engraved decoration and applied relief decoration in the form of Adam and Eve in t...
Pewter
Lidded Pewter Jar A605 - Nils Fougstedt 1931 - Firma Svenskt Tenn, Stockholm
By Svenskt Tenn, Nils Fougstedt
Located in Stockholm, SE
A wonderful lidded jar designed by Nils Fougstedt for Firma Svenskt Tenn in Stockholm and made in 1931. The jar features scenes from the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve, and the animals...
Pewter
Midcentury Scandinavian Pewter jar, Nils Fougstedt, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1936
By Nils Fougstedt, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Sleek pewter jar by Nils Fougstedt, in a compact form. Knob made partially from brass, decorative brass rim around the base.
Pewter, Brass
Pedestal Swedish Grace Pewter Bowl by Svenkst Tenn, 1930s, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Værløse, DK
Pedestal Pewter Bowl made by Svenskt Tenn in the early 1930s. A beautiful piece for an exquisite table. * A large pewter bowl on foot * Manufacturer...
Pewter
Modernist Pewter Candlesticks by Nils Fougstedt for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1932
By Nils Fougstedt, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of elegant pewter candlesticks by Niels Fougstedt. Clean cut lines and decorative details.
Pewter
Brass Candlestick 'Vanskapsknuten' by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1938
By Josef Frank, Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn, Nils Fougstedt, Just Andersen
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful brass candle holder with amazing patina. Designed by Josef Frank in 1938 and made by Firma Svenskt Tenn, Stockholm, Sweden. Excellent condition. Architect and designe...
Brass
1940 Pewter and Brass bowl by Mabos
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Pewter bowl by Mabos with Brass details in an organic pattern. Mabos was associated with Firma Svenskt Tenn in the early days when Estrid Ericson founded the design company...
Brass, Pewter
Midcentury Pewter Tray by Firma Svenskt Tenn 1953
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Örebro, SE
Midcentury pewter tray with beautiful detail from Firma Svenskt Tenn -1953. Wear consistent with age and use.
Pewter
Swedish Grace Floral Pewter "A45" Fruit Dish by Estrid Ericson for Svenskt Tenn
By Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Early Swedish Grace modern "A 45" floral pewter fruit dish by Estrid Ericson / Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, 1920s. This iconic bowl was introduced and presented at the World Exhibit...
Pewter
Modernist Pewter Vase from Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1948
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant pewter vase from Svenskt Tenn, in a clean, tapering form. Decor of stripes around the rim.
Pewter
Pewter Box by Nils Fougstedt, Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1953
By Svenskt Tenn, Nils Fougstedt
Located in Hägersten, SE
Box designed by Nils Fougstedt. Produced by Firma Svenskt Tenn, this example made in 1953. Made from pewter with brass edges. Good vintage condition with age related patina and wear....
Brass, Pewter
Footed Lidded Jar by Svenskt Tenn in Pewter
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A gorgeous Art Deco pewter lidded box by Firma Svenskt Tenn. Features three ornate feet, a velvet lined interior, and Art Deco style lid.
Metal
Estrid Ericson Pewter Bowl with lid adorned with a flower bud Svenskt Tenn, 1944
By Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Estrid Ericso, pewter bowl with a lid adorned with a flower bud, manufactured by Svenskt Tenn, 1944. Estrid Ericson was involved in shaping the image of modern Swedish design during ...
Pewter
Midcentury Scandinavian Pewter jar by Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1967
By Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Lovely pewter jar by Estrid Ericson, in a sleek form adorned with a brass bow on the lid.
Brass, Pewter
Hand painted "Apple" jar by Josef Frank for Svenskt tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Hägersten, SE
Rare lidded jar in the shape of an apple designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Firma Svenskt Tenn during the 1950s. Made from Aluminum with hand painted decor. Very good vintage condi...
Aluminum
Writing Set by Ernst Svedbom for Svenskt Tenn, 1934
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Long Island City, NY
Writing, seven parts set in pewter by Ernst Svedbom (1913-2004), Goldsmith AB for Swedish Tenn, circa 1934-1936. Marked: SG A-B Svenskt Tenn K8. A pair...
Björn Trägårdh for Svenskt Tenn Candelabra in Pewter
By Bjorn Tragardh, Svenskt Tenn
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Absolutely stunning and large 5 candle candelabra in pewter designed by Björn Trägårdh for Svenskt Tenn circa 1930s. Very few examples of this have...
Metal
1939 Art Deco Archer Pewter Lidded Box by Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1939, Sweden. With archer handle pull on lid. Manufacturers mark on underside and engraving of "1939" on backside.
Pewter
Pewter Inkstand by Nils Fougstedt for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1930
By Svenskt Tenn, Nils Fougstedt
Located in Örebro, SE
Very rare and amazing pewter inkstand with glass tube by Nils Fougstedt, adorned with a flute playing, crosslegged Pan figurine -1930. Good vintage condit...
Pewter
1920s Polished Pewter Globe Vase by Svenskt Tenn with Beaded Handle Details
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1920s, Sweden. Polished pewter globe vase by Svenskt Tenn with decorative leaf engraving on front and backside and beaded handle details with ribbed vase mouth. Marked by maker on un...
Pewter
Josef Frank Six-Branched Candle Holder for Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden 1930s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Utrecht, NL
In 1934, Josef Frank made his first attempt at modernizing the classic candelabra. With softly swaying forms, he eliminated the base in the middle, ...
Brass
Anna Petrus, Pewter Box, Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1928
By Anna Petrus, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Box in brass and pewter with decor of a womans face. Designed by Anna Petrus for Firma Svenskt Tenn. Marked B8 = 1928.
Brass, Pewter
1931 Swedish Art Deco Pewter Vase by JL Hultman for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Base footed with string of pearl ball detail, and decorative hanger arms. Engraved with a flower on front side with a brass sun formation. JL Hultman and Svenskt Tenn makers mark on ...
Pewter
1930s Polished Pewter Vase by Folke Arström for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Folke Arstrom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1930s, Sweden. This pewter vase features geometric and star engravings around the rim, with smooth, rounded handles on each side. The maker’s mark is located on the bottom.
Pewter
Pewter Jar by Estrid Ericson
By Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant pewter jar by Estrid Ericson, with beautiful matte patina. Rim and lid decorated with a subtle pattern. Handle wound with blonde rattan for a nice contrast.
Pewter
Swedish Modern Pewter Bowl by Karl-Erik Torsell, 1970s, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Værløse, DK
Oval Pewter Tray made for Karl-Erik Torsell in the 1970s. * Oval tray in hammered pewter * Designer: Karl-Erik Torsell * Manufacturer: Svenskt Tenn * Year: 1971 (V9 impression shows...
Pewter
1930s Footed Art Deco Polished Pewter Vase by Nils Fougstedt for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Nils Fougstedt
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1930s, Stockholm. Polished pewter with footed base and sculptural flared mouth. Marked with Firma Svensk Tenn on the underside and designed by Nils Fougstedt.
Pewter
Polished Pewter Vase by Estrid Ericson For Svenskt Tenn
By Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1950s, Svenskt Tenn. This vase, also known as "the jam pot," features a stylized Art Deco architectural design. Created by Estrid Ericson in 1950-1951, it is signed on one side and h...
Pewter
Anna Petrus, Pewter box, Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1929
By Anna Petrus, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Box with decor of a lion, brass and pewter. Designed by Anna Petrus for Firma Svenskt Tenn. Marked C8 = 1929.
Brass, Pewter
1930s Polished Pewter Lidded Urn by C.G Hallberg, attributed to Sylvia Stave
By CG Hallberg, Sylvia Stave, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Swedish Grace vase or lidded urn with a decorative lid featuring a sculptural figure atop. A detailed figure is a woman with a swan. The vase has ribbed linear engraving throughout t...
Pewter
Swedish Grace Pewter Vase by Tyra Lundgren, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1929
By Svenskt Tenn, Tyra Lundgren Carolina
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Amazing, rare pewter vase by Tyra Lundgren, with a playful etched motif of children playing among greenery. Graphic decor around the rim and base.
Pewter
1940s Swedish Polished Pewter Jar with Lid by Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1940s, Sweden. Swedish Grace style with beaded details, curved feet, and floral decoration carved into the front. Stamped by the maker on the underside.
Pewter
Large pewter bowl with handles, Swedish Grace, Firma Svenskt Tenn
By Estrid Ericson, Bjorn Tragardh, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Unique, large bowl in pewter by renowned swedish designer Björn Trägårdh for Firma Svenskt Tenn, founded in 1924 by Estrid Ericson. In good condition, normal signs of age and wear....
Pewter
Candelabra 'Model 2663' designed by Joseph Frank for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
Model 2663 is a brass candelabra designed in the early 1950s by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn. The composition is organised around a slender vertical stem crowned by a circular loop, ...
Brass