Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN STYLE
The gentle, organic contours that are typical of vintage Scandinavian modern furniture appear in the work of Danish, Finnish and Swedish designers not as a stylistic gesture, but rather as a practical, ergonomic — and, as importantly, elegant — response to the human form.
Characterized by bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetries, Scandinavian modernism is perhaps the warmest and most organic iteration of modernist design. The work of the designers associated with this style was founded on centuries-old beliefs in both quality craftsmanship and the ideal that beauty should enhance even the humblest accessories of daily life.
Each nation produced exceptional talents in all areas of the applied arts, yet each had its forté. Sweden was home to Bruno Mathsson, creator of the classic Grasshopper chair and Berlin daybed, but the country excelled most notably at ceramics. In the ’20s at the great Gustavsberg porcelain manufactory, Wilhelm Kåge introduced Scandinavian modern pieces based on influences from folklore to Cubism; his skills were passed on to his versatile and inspired pupils Berndt Friberg and Stig Lindberg.
Likewise, Finland produced a truly ingenious Scandinavian modern furniture designer in the architect Alvar Aalto, a master at melding function and artistic form in works like the Paimio chair. Yet Finnish glassware was pre-eminent, crafted in expressive, sculptural designs by Tapio Wirkkala and Timo Sarpaneva.
The Danes excelled at chairs. Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen were exemplars of the country’s facility with wood, particularly teak.
Wegner created such iconic pieces as the Round chair and the Wishbone chair; Jacobsen — while he produced the best-selling plywood Ant chair — designed two classic upholstered pieces of the 1950s: the Swan chair and Egg chair. The list of great Danes could go on and on, including Finn Juhl, maker of the bold Chieftain chair; Poul Kjaerholm, with his lean metal-and-rattan aesthetic; and Vernor Panton, who introduced a vibrant Pop note into international design.
On 1stDibs, you will note both instantly recognizable vintage Scandinavian modern designs — those that have earned iconic status over time — and many new discoveries. Even more than 50 years on from their heyday, the prolific, ever-evolving Scandinavian modernists continue to amaze and delight.
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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Beautiful Vase Created by Swedish Ceramic Artist Claes Thell
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vase. Produced and designed by Claes Thell, in the Artist's studio, in Höganäs, Sweden. Stoneware. Glazed in different brown colors. Signed Thell.
Exhibitions: Östasiatiska Muse...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
Hans-Agne Jakobsson, 3 Candleholder, Model L-95, Markaryd, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Berlin, DE
A nice set of 2 brass and colored purple & green glass candleholder by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Sweden, 1950s. Purple glass has chip to the rim, but not visible when stuck on the brass h...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Swedish Grace Bawl by Thorild Knutsson
By Thorild Knutsson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Swedish Grace style pewter bawl by Thorild Knutsson, Granna 1931.
Marked by manufacturer.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Pewter
1970s Rare Elephant Dansk Animal Paperweight Silver Plated by Gunnar Cyren
By Gunnar Cyren
Located in San Diego, CA
A rare set elephant silver plated Dansk paperweight, designed by Gunnar Cyren, circa 1970s nice condition a beautiful set, electroplated zinc.
Category
Late 20th Century Japanese Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Zinc
Hand Painted Vase with Lily of the Valley Motif
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Designed by Sven Jonson for Gustavsberg, of Sweden. From "Lagun" series. 1950's. Heavyweight sunset blue glaze with raised floral details in pewter/earth tones.
Professional, ski...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Sweden Miniature Boat Sculpture ‘Journey‘
Located in Delft, NL
RARE Kosta Boda ‘Bertil Vallien’ Mini Sculpture BOAT Art glass.Hard to find and very collectible.A wonderful simplistic small sculpture and display of spectral color. This has been d...
Category
1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
Black & White Globose Vase Domino, Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely globose vase designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsberg. It is 9.5 cm in diameter. It is close to mint condition and one of the most iconically designs from the 1950s.
The...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Tapio Wirkkala, Set of Six Silver "Trumpetti" Candlesticks, Kultakeskus, Finland
Located in EL Waalre, NL
Tapio Wirkkala, set of six silver "Trumpetti" Candlesticks, Kultakeskus, Finland
Artist
Tapio Wirkkala (1915 Hanko, Finland-1985 Helsinki, Finland) A giant of Finnish design, Wir...
Category
1970s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver
Einar Barnes for P.S. Heggen Sacndinavian Moder Rosewood Trash Can Wastebasket
Located in Ferndale, MI
Beautifully grained rosewood trash can. Designed in Norway by Einar Barnes for P.S. Hegen.
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Andersson Johansson, Floor Vase, Green Glazed Earthenware, Höganäs Sweden, 1930s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sizable floor vase, produced by Andersson Johansson, Höganäs, Sweden, 1930s-1940s.
Features green glaze and finely incised decor.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
Pierre Forsel, Candlestick Model Variabel Produced by Skultuna, Sweden 1950's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pierre Forsell - Candlestick Model Variabel Produced by Skultuna, Sweden 1950's
This adjustable candleholder is an exquisite example of the refined approach designed by Pierre For...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Art Glass Bird Sculpture by Oiva Toikka for Iittala of Finland
By Iittala, Oiva Toikka
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous art glass bird sculpture by Oiva Toikka for Iittala of Finland, circa 1990s. This sculpture is mouth blown and is in great vintage condition with no chips or cracks. The pie...
Category
Late 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
Teak bowl by Johnny Mattsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Lovely bowl by Johnny Mattsson, sculpted from teak in a drop-like design. Playful, sculptural form.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Teak
Faience "Karneval" Vase by Stig Lindberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Faience “Karneval” vase by Stig Lindberg, in a strict block shape. Beautiful, playful motif of three people on one side, and a man riding a rooster on the other. The rim is unglazed,...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Faience
X-Large Massive Solid Teak Salad Bowl & Servers Designed by Quistgaard for Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and rare X-large staved teak salad bowl designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1980s. The piece comes with its original teak servers and has been recently oiled. Ther...
Category
20th Century Thai Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Teak
Wooden Sculpture by Danish Artist Ole Wettergren, 1965
Located in Odense, DK
Large wooden sculpture, made by Danish artist Ole Wettergren in 1965. This is hes first wooden sculpture made.
Ole is famous for hes wooden sculptures and he has presented in intern...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Red-Toned Wooden Sculpture, Swedish Mid Century
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely wooden sculpture designed in Sweden in the midcentury. It is in very good condition except from that one of its legs is repaired. The designer is unknown.
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
Berndt Friberg for Gustavsberg Studiohand, Vase in Glazed Stoneware
Located in Copenhagen, Denmark
Berndt Friberg (1899-1981) for Gustavsberg Studiohand. Vase in glazed stoneware.
Beautiful glaze in brown shades. 1960s.
Measures: 13.3 x 9.5 cm.
In excellent condition.
Stamped.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
Palshus Low Circular Bowl with Brown Beige Glaze Danish Midcentury Ceramic 1960s
Located in Aarhus C, DK
Low bowl by Per Linnemann-Schmidt for Palshus Denmark, ca. 1960s or early 1970s.
The bowl is made from stoneware and has a brown iron glaze with dark brown speckles on outside wa...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Swedish Glass Vase by Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta Boda, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful glass vase by Vicke Lindstrand, in a smooth, organically streamlined shape. Blue glass with distinct dar stripes that give movement of the vase.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
Large Stoneware Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Blue
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. The vase is 36 cm high and in mint condition, it has a beautiful glaze.
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
Josef Frank Candlestick Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden
By Josef Frank
Located in Malmo, SE
Candlestick (the knot of friendship) in brass designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Carl-Harry Stålhane large blue bowl, Rorstrand Studio, Sweden, 1960
Located in New York, NY
A large Carl-Harry Stålhane blue glazed ceramic bowl with subtle radiating lines on the inside. Hand thrown by Stålhane at the Rorstrand Ateljé circa 1960’s. Signed on the bottom.
...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay
Gunnar Nylund "Iller" Stonewear Weasel with Stand for Rörstrand Sweden 1960's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund "Iller" Stonewear Weasel with stand for Rörstrand Sweden 1960's
A beautiful vintage weasel in stoneware by Gunnar Nylund for Ro¨rstrand, Sweden, circa 1960 in perfec...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Wood
Mid Century Swedish Pine Bowl, Crafted in Varnamo, 1980s
Located in Odense, DK
Beautiful patinated bowl in pine. Crafted in Varnamo, sweden. Probably in 1980s.
Suits the modern interior. Designers worth to mention from this Swedish era is: Roland Wilhelmsson...
Category
1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Set of 4 Modernist Teak and Brass Candleholder Elements, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article:
Sculptural candleholder, set of 4
Origin:
Denmark
Material:
brass and teak
Decade:
1960s
This original vintage candleholder, was produced...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Patrick Nordstrom for Royal Copenhagen, Soft Green Ceramic Vase, 1940s
Located in Milan, IT
Patrick Nordstrom for Royal Copenhagen, soft green ceramic vase, 1940s.
Please note : the "free shipping option" and/or "subsidised shipping option" if stated in the shipping quot...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Per Lütken for Holmegaard, Turquoise Vase in Mouth-Blown Art Glass
Located in Copenhagen, Denmark
Per Lütken for Holmegaard. Turquoise vase in mouth-blown art glass. Model Number 18648.
1960's.
Measures: 14.5 x 13 cm.
In excellent condition.
Incised signature and model number.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
Beech Paper Bin, Danish, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and beautiful paper bin in beech in good vintage condition with signs from use and patina.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Carrara Vase by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg, Sweden
Located in Stockholm, SE
Spherical round vase designed by Wilhelm Kåge in Sweden during the 1940s.
Manufactured at Gustavsberg,
Made from white Carrara glaze with gold-colored leave pattern.
Model numb...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
Ceramic Figurine 'Summer', M21, Designed by Bjørn Wiinblad, 1976
Located in Lejre, DK
Ceramic figurine "Summer", M21, from the series "The Four Seasons" designed by Bjørn Wiinblad. This figurine was made in 1976 and is decorated in blue and white colors.
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Scandinavian Modern Carl Milles Designed Patinated Cast Iron Swedish Grace Urns
By Carl Milles
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Scandinavian Modern, Carl Milles designed patinated cast iron urns. The urns have raised stylized floral designs and softly rounded bases. The urns have been newly patinated ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Knud Kyhn Large Unique Ceramic Sculpture, "Struggle For Life", Denmark, 1916
By Knud Kyhn
Located in Skanninge, SE
This is one of Knud Kyhn's early masterpieces. This piece is unique and is the only one made!
Depicting a bear and a horse in a desperate struggle for life.
The sculpture has a bea...
Category
1910s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen, White Plastic Wall Clock, 1960s-1970s
Located in Copenhagen, Denmark
Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen. White plastic wall clock. Dial with Roman numerals. Clockwork quartz, 1960s-1970s.
Size: Diameter 30 cm.
In very good condition.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Plastic
Verner Panton Click Clock Watch, 1992
Located in Weesp, NL
Click clock 1992 Verner Panton watch new old stock.
Click-clock consists of building block components for putting together a clock or watch. It has individual geometrical elements w...
Category
1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Vases "Tobo", Designed by Erich and Ingrid Triller, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Berlin, DE
Stoneware vases in dark-blue and speckled green glaze by Erich and Ingrid Triller, Tobo, Sweden, 1950s.
The ceramic design specialists Erich and Ingrid Triller, German by origin, Ba...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
Brutalist 12-Arm Candalabre by Erik Hogland for Boda, Sweden
By Erik Hoglund, Boda
Located in Antwerp, BE
Wrought iron and clear glass 12-arm chandelier by Erik Hoglund, Boda. Cast iron, mouth-blown and pressed amber and clear glass 12-arm chandelier for 12 candles by Swedish designer Er...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Wrought Iron
Trumpet Tall Candleholder Designed by Quistgaard for Dansk Aluminum and Walnut
Located in San Diego, CA
Great design on this tall trumpet shape polished aluminum with solid walnut decorative center, designed by Quistgaard for Dansk.
Category
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Aluminum
Stoneware "Surrea" Vase by Wilhelm Kåge
By Wilhelm Kage
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful “Surrea” vase by Wilhelm Kåge, made in Carrara stoneware. The skewed form grows into two openings with the characteristic wavy “Våga” decor around the rims. The fascinating...
Category
1950s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
Glass Vase with Spiral Pattern by Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta, Sweden
Located in Goteborg, SE
When Vicke Lindstrand came back to the glass in 1950s after a decade as artistic leader at the ceramic factory Upsala-Ekeby, he exploded in a creative burst of new shapes and pattern...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
Jar Produced by GAB in Sweden
Located in Malmo, SE
Pewter jar. Produced by GAB in Sweden.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Pewter
Decorative Set of Two Modern Glazed Scandinavian Vessels
By Dansk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Decorative set of two modern glazed Scandinavian vessels. The tall pottery vase marked "Kragten," the lidded ceramic jar marked DANSK DESIGN DENMARK.
Measures: Tall vase: 12 in. t...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
1960s Finnish Seal Sculpture by Taisto Kaasinen for Arabia
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An uncommon ceramic seal sculpture with painterly red-brown glaze.
Category
1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Contemporary Hand Carved Sisin Vase No. 4 in Linden Wood by Antrei Hartikainen
Located in Fiskars, FI
SISIN (finnish for “quiddity”) is a sculptural hand carved vessel series where the forms and textures are inspired by exceptional beauty and necessity of mushrooms.
Hollow pedestals...
Category
2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Book Ends, Designed by CE Borgström for Ystad Metall AB, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Book ends, designed by CE Borgström for Ystad Metall AB,
Sweden, 1930s.
Designed by CE Borgström for Ystad Metall AB, Sweden, 1930s.
Patinated bronze.
Measures: H 16 cm/ 6...
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
1960s Earthy Danish Stoneware Vase Cabinmoden Farmhouse Rustic Midcentury
By Tue Poulsen
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful incised hand-thrown pottery midcentury vase.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
Ulrica Hydman Vallien for Kosta Boda, Unique Vase in Mouth-Blown Art Glass
Located in Copenhagen, Denmark
Ulrica Hydman Vallien for Kosta Boda. Unique vase in mouth-blown art glass, 1980s.
Measures: 32 x 22 cm.
In very good condition.
Signed.
Category
1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Blown Glass
1960s Brass and Glass "Claudia" Candleholder Made by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Sweden
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article:
Candleholder element "Claudia"
Design:
Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Producer:
Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB, Sweden
This candlelight holder was designed by Han...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Brass
Gunnar Ander Early Candlestick Produced by Ystad Metall in Sweden
By Gunnar Ander
Located in Malmo, SE
Rare and early candlestick designed by Gunnar Ander. Produced by Ystad Metall in Sweden.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Nils Thorsson Royal Copenhagen Mirco Bud Vase Double Gourd Danish Midcentury
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Rare small vase. Excellent condition, no damage.
Measures: Height 3 3/4" (9.5 cm), width 2 1/8" (5.5 cm)
Painted "21399", three waves, "NT" monogram. Printed "Denmark U".
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Group of Five Danish Brass Candle Holders
Located in London, GB
Five solid brass Mid-Century Modern candle holders, 2 pairs and a single for regular candles. The tall one is by Hyslop. The middle one is labelled SKS Design
Measures: Heights: 18-...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Art Deco Pair of Signed Swedish Modern Candelabras by Nils Fougstedt in Bronze
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare Art Deco pair of Swedish modern candelabras signed by Nils Fougstedt in Bronze. Probably made between 1920-1935.
Nils Fougsted had several assignments for Firma Svenskt Ten...
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Simon Gate Glass Vase Produced by Orrefors in Sweden
By Simon Gate
Located in Malmo, SE
Very rare glass vase designed by Simon Gate. Produced by Orrefors in Sweden.
Category
1910s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Cast Iron Urn Produced in Sweden
Located in Malmo, SE
Cast iron urn produced in Sweden.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Wall Candlestick Produced in Sweden
Located in Malmo, SE
Rare wall candlestick by unknown designer. Produced in Sweden.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Art Deco Etched Glass Vase by Simon Gate for Orrefors
By Hugo Gehlin, Orrefors
Located in New York, NY
Scandinavian Modern Art Deco glass vase with etched design of stylized tree branches and circles. The vase is on a cone shaped foot in a transparent smokey ash colored glass. Designe...
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass, Ash
Kähler, Denmark, Large Glazed Stoneware Floor Vase in Modern Design, 1940s
Located in Copenhagen, Denmark
Kähler, Denmark, large glazed stoneware floor vase in modern design.
1940s.
Stamped.
Measures: 49 cm. X 41.5 cm.
In perfect condition.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Heavy candlestick in brass produced in Denmark
Located in Malmo, SE
Rare and heavy candlestick in brass produced in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
