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.
Swedish Art Deco Pewter Amphora Vase by Svenskt Tenn, 1930s
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
A refined Swedish Art Deco pewter amphora vase, designed for Svenskt Tenn in the 1930s. This elegant piece features a classical silhouette with a tall, tapering body and distinctive ...
Pewter
Swedish Art Deco Pewter Vase by Svenskt Tenn, 1935
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
A striking Swedish Art Deco pewter vase by Svenskt Tenn, made in 1935. This refined and sculptural piece exemplifies the elegant modernism that defined Swedish design in the early 20...
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
Swedish Pewter Vase by Nils Fougstedt for Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1930
By Svenskt Tenn, Nils Fougstedt
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegantly designed pewter vase by Nils Fougstedt for Firma Svenskt Tenn, in a spherical form with a wide opening.
Pewter
Swedish Grace Pewter Vase by Tyra Lundgren, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1929
By Tyra Lundgren Carolina, Svenskt Tenn
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
Swedish Art Deco Pewter and Brass Pear Vase by Björn Trägårdh for Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Swedish Art Deco vase designed by Björn Trägårdh in 1933 for Svenskt Tenn of Stockholm. Composed of a pear or gourd-form vessel in pewter surmounted by a brass rim. Good, vintage con...
Brass, Pewter
$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
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
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, 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
Pewter Jar by Anna Petrus, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1931
By Anna Petrus, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Amazing pewter jar by Anna Petrus, with a line of brass encircling the base and lid. Expressive lion on the lid, body decorated with a graphic pattern.
Brass, 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
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
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
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
1930s Polished Pewter Vase by Folke Arström for Svenskt Tenn
By Folke Arstrom, Svenskt Tenn
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
1930s Footed Art Deco Polished Pewter Vase by Nils Fougstedt for Svenskt Tenn
By Nils Fougstedt, Svenskt Tenn
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
1930s Polished Pewter Lidded Urn by C.G Hallberg, attributed to Sylvia Stave
By CG Hallberg, Svenskt Tenn, Sylvia Stave
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
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
Midcentury Scandinavian Pewter jar from Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1944
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant pewter jar from Svenskt Tenn, with a lid decorated elaborately with leaves and vines. Hoop knob in the form of a snake biting its tail.
Pewter
Scandinavian Modern Vase/Cup in Pewter, Firma Svenskt Tenn -1929
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Örebro, SE
Rare, Scandinavian Modern vase/cup in pewter, Firma Svenskt Tenn -1929. Signed with makers mark. Good vintage condition, wear and patina consistent with age and use. Pewter patina, ...
Pewter
Pair of "Hortus" Glass Pots or Vases by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Reijmyre Glasbruk
Located in Paris, FR
Josef Frank designed the original Hortus pot in 1938. Later, during the war period, when metal was hard to come by, Estrid Ericson had the Gullaskruv glassw...
Glass
Pewter Vase by Estrid Ericson for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1928 with poem, brass
By Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Vase designed by Estrid Ericson for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1928. Pewter vase and brass bands engraved with a poem by Verner von Heidenstam. Stamped.
Brass, Pewter
$3,911
H 7.41 in W 8.67 in D 6.3 in
Art Deco Pewter Globe Vase by Nils Fougstedt for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1930.
By Just Andersen, Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank, 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
$1,403 / set
H 9.85 in Dm 4.73 in
Pair of Svenskt Tenn Pewter Candleholders by K.E Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1931
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
A striking and sculptural pair of pewter candleholders designed by Knut Eriksson & Co. for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, circa 1931. These elegant pieces embody the refined organic forms and...
Pewter
$468
H 2.17 in W 4.34 in D 2.96 in
Lidded Pewter Box by JL Hultman, Sweden, 1930s. Svenskt Tenn. Swedish Grace.
By Nils Fougstedt, Erik Fleming, Edvin Ollers, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful lidded pewter box with amazing patina. Made by J.L. Hultman, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. Stamped 'JLH' and 'SVENSKT TENN'.
Metal, Pewter
Nils Fougstedt for FAK Art Deco Pewter Vase, Sweden 1933
By Fabriksaktiebolaget Kronsilver, Nils Fougstedt
Located in Stockholm, SE
Refined Swedish Art Deco pewter vase designed by Nils Fougstedt and produced by Fabriksaktiebolaget Kronsilver (FAK) in 1933. The vase features a beautifully balanced, rounded form ...
Pewter
$1,189
H 1.78 in W 5.91 in D 3.75 in
Pewter and brass Jewelry box by Nils Fougstedt for Svenskt Tenn, 1953
By Svenskt Tenn, Nils Fougstedt
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
1940s Swedish Modernist Pewter Vase, Signed K&R Prima Svenskt Tenn
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Svenskt Tenn
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A vintage Swedish double vase made of pewter, circa 1940s. Great minimalist/ modernist style with some deco/ machine age type influence. Nicely proportioned and well made, this is on...
Pewter
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...
$2,081
H 4.34 in Dm 3.15 in
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
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
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
Art Deco Bronze Patinated Vase / Amphora by Ystad-Metall, Sweden, 1930s
By Ystad-Metall
Located in Stockholm, SE
Highly decorative bronze-patinated vase designed by sculptor and painter Carl-Einar Borgström (1914-1981) for iconic Swedish maker Ystad-Metall, crafted in the 1930s. This piece exem...
Metal, Bronze
Art Deco Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A small pewter vase with long neck. Designed and manufactured by Just Andersen in Denmark during the 1930s. Imprinted to its base: Just, Danmark, 11...
Pewter
Sold
H 11.5 in Dm 5 in
1940s Swedish Grace Polished Pewter Vessel with Rose Decoration by Nordtenn Sven
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1940s, Sweden. This Swedish Grace style vessel features decorative handles and a rose attached to the front. The underside is stamped Nordtenn Svenskt.
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
1940s Art Deco Polished Pewter Vase by Nils Fougstedt for Svenskt Tenn
By Nils Fougstedt, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With engraved linear details on the vase body and neck. Signed Nils Fougstedt with prize message engraving on vase body. Dated 1942.
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
Mabos Svenskt Tenn - Jardinere/Flower pot - 1930's
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
A striking pewter flowerpot or jardinière attributed to Mabos and associated with Svenskt Tenn, a renowned purveyor of Swedish design. Crafted in Sweden in the early 30th century, th...
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
Svenskt Tenn Lidded Container in Pewter, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An iconic Art Deco lidded jar or container produced by Firma Svensk Tenn circa 1930s. Executed in pewter, it maintains a minimalist design with Art Deco touches.
Metal
Vintage Midcentury "Janus" Vase by Anna Petrus, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1954
By Anna Petrus, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful “Janus” vase by Anna Petrus, made from pewter. The design, which is from 1927, depicts the Roman god Janus and his two faces, one looking into the...
Pewter
Pewter and Glass Jar from Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Amazing jar from Svenskt Tenn, with a thick glass bottom and pewter lid. Lid adorned with the letters “JG” with elegant brass typography.
Brass, Pewter
Pewter Jar Depicting Pan by Nils Fougstedt for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1944
By Nils Fougstedt, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Amazing pewter jar by Nils Fougstedt, adorned with a flute playing, crosslegged Pan figurine. The tiny flute is made from brass. Beautifully sculpted figu...
Pewter
Estrid Ericson, Flower Pot, Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1929
By Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Flower pot in pewter, designed by Estrid Ericson for Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1929 (C8).
Pewter
Svenskt Tenn Pewter Vase Janus /Janushuvud by Anna Petrus, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn, Anna Petrus
Located in Halle, DE
A Svenskt Tenn pewter vase Janus /Janushuvud by Anna Petrus, Sweden. Designed in 1927 by Anna Petrus, manufactured in 1984. This version is fro...
Pewter