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Scandinavian Modern Vases

SCANDINAVIAN MODERN STYLE

Scandinavian modernism is perhaps the warmest and most organic iteration of modernist design. The work of the designers associated with vintage Scandinavian modern furniture was founded on centuries-old beliefs in both quality craftsmanship and the ideal that beauty should enhance even the humblest accessories of daily life.

ORIGINS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN 

CHARACTERISTICS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

  • Bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetries
  • Use of natural materials — native woods such as pine, ash and beech
  • Open, airy spaces
  • Promotion of functionality
  • Emphasis on craftsmanship; rooted in cabinetry profession and traditional construction techniques
  • Minimal ornamentation (little to no embellishment)
  • A neutral or light color palette owing to prominence of light woods

SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The gentle, organic contours that are typical of Scandinavian design appear in the furnishings and decor created by 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.

Each nation produced exceptional talents in all areas of the applied arts, yet each had its forté. Sweden was home to Greta Magnusson Grossman and Bruno Mathsson — creators of the classic Grasshopper lighting series and Berlin daybed, respectively — but the country excelled most notably at ceramics. In the 1920s at the great Gustavsberg porcelain manufactory, Wilhelm Kåge introduced pieces in the Scandinavian style 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, created in collaboration with his first wife, Aino. 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 the revolutionary architect and furniture innovator 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, a stylistic maverick and maker of the bold Chieftain chair; Poul Kjaerholm, with his lean metal-and-rattan aesthetic; and Verner Panton, who introduced a vibrant Pop note into international design.

Today, decades after their heyday, the prolific, ever-evolving Scandinavian modernists continue to amaze and delight, and interior designers all over the world use their pieces to bring warmth to any given space.

On 1stDibs, you will note both instantly recognizable vintage Scandinavian modern chairs, sofas, rugs and tables — those that have earned iconic status over time — and many new discoveries. 

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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Vicke Lindstrand Glass Vases Produced by Kosta in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of glass vases designed by Vicke Lindstrand. Produced by Kosta in Sweden. Signed ‘Kosta 01828 VL'.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Pollo Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Studio Line
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful Porcelin Pollo Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Studio Line.
Category

1970s German Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Porcelain

Ewald Dahlskog green apple glazed vase, Bo Fajans, Sweden 1940
Located in New York, NY
Artist Ewald Dahlskog’s large ribbed body vase finished with a green apple glazed, created for Bo Fajans, Sweden circa 1940. Height: 10.5“ Diameter: 11”
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Mari Simmulson for Upsala Ekeby. Pair of ceramic vases. Floral motifs
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mari Simmulson (1911-2000) for Upsala Ekeby. A pair of ceramic vases. Floral motifs. Polychrome glaze. Ca. 1960. Marked. In perfect condition. Dimensions: Height 20.0 cm x 8.0 cm. ...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Swedish Mid Century Stoneware Vase by Claes Ivarsson for Höganäs Keramik
By Höganäs Keramik, Claes Ivarsson
Located in Örebro, SE
The company Höganäsbolaget shut down its production of stoneware in 1926 to concentrate production on other products. Two employees, the brothers Gustaf and Oskar Nyman then left the...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Inger Persson, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
An orange-glazed stoneware vase designed by Inger Persson and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s.  
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Martin Freyer Kerzenhalter für Rosenthal Plissee Bisquit
Located in Berlin, DE
Martin Freyer Kerzenhalter für Rosenthal Plissee Bisquit Matt OP ART 3206
Category

Mid-20th Century German Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Thomas Nittsjö, Sweden. Large ceramic vase in brown and blue tones.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Thomas Nittsjö, Sweden. Large ceramic vase, partially with blue glaze. Handmade. 1969/70s. Marked. Perfect condition. Dimensions: Diameter 13.0 cm x Height 24.0 cm.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Large Unique Head Vase Bjørn Wiinblad Handmade Painted Ceramics, Denmark, 1961
Located in Odense, DK
Wonderful unique head vase handmade by Bjørn Wiinblad in 1961. Decorated in polychrome glazed earthenware. Very rare and early piece by one of Denmarks finest artist of the 20th cent...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Scandinavian Modern Gunnar Nylund Stoneware vase pitcher Rörstrand ca 1955
Located in EL Waalre, NL
Gunnar Nylund, Stoneware vase /pitcher Rörstrand, Sweden, circa 1950 Description A stoneware vase/pitcher, finished with a beautiful white “eggshell” glaze. This object was designe...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Danish Nils Kähler for HAK Kähler Large Wide Vase with Greyish-brown Glaze 1970s
Located in Aarhus C, DK
Large wide vase with sweeping shape, made of chamotte clay which gives the surface an rustic expression. The glaze is greyish-brown, with a satin look at the body of the vase and gl...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Black Glass Vase - Edvin Ollers - Elme Glassworks, Sweden 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely black glass vase in molded glass designed in 1930s by Edvin Ollers and produced at Elme Glassworks in Sweden. The vase is 20,5 cm high and in excellent condition. It is not ...
Category

1930s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

Uno Westerberg for Pukeberg, Sweden. Large art glass vase in clear art glass.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Uno Westerberg for Pukeberg, Sweden. Large art glass vase in clear art glass. Decoration with relief circles. 1970s. Perfect condition. Dimensions: D 10.0 cm x H 28.0 cm.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Nils Landberg for Orrefors, Sweden. Tall and slender art glass vase.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Nils Landberg for Orrefors, Sweden. Tall and slender art glass vase in clear glass. 1930s/40s. Signed. Perfect condition. Dimensions: H 34.0 cm x D 7.0 cm.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Stoneware "Farsta" Platter by Wilhelm Kåge, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
“Farsta” bowl or platter, made from stoneware in a smooth, thick form. Striking glaze in nuances of reddish brown, ochre and green. “Farsta” stoneware is recognized as being the bes...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Inger Persson for Rörstrand Atelje, Sweden. Ceramic vase with blue-toned glaze.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Inger Persson for Rörstrand Atelje, Sweden. Ceramic vase with blue-toned glaze. Circa 1970. Marked. In perfect condition. Dimensions: Height 11.5 cm x Diameter 10.7 cm.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige and orange-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Marian Zawadsky for Tilgmans Keramik 1966 MCM Sgraffito Sculptural Floorvase
Located in Frome, GB
This striking work of Swedish Mid-Century Modernist design the signed work of Marian Zawadsky (b. 1912 - d. 1978) a professor, artist, and ceramist who became artistic director for T...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Christer Heijl, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
An off-white and green-glazed ceramic vase designed by Christer Heijl and produced by Töreboda Keramik, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Ture Berglund, Small Vase, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A small blown glass vase designed by Ture Berglund and produced by Skansens Glasbruk, Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

Gabriel Keramik, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Gabriel Keramik, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Olle Alberius for Rörstrand, Sweden. Ceramic vase with blue-toned glaze
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Olle Alberius (1926-1993) for Rörstrand, Sweden. Ceramic vase with a blue-toned glaze. Approximately from the 1960s/70s. Marked. In perfect condition. First factory quality. Dimensi...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue green-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige and orange-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige and green-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Ceramic pitcher with blue and brown glaze
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997) for Rörstrand. Ceramic pitcher with a glaze in blue and brown tones. Slender form. Mid-20th century. Marked. In good condition with minimal chipping at the ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Börne Augustsson, Vase, Blown Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An organic blown glass vase designed by Börne Augustsson and produced by Åseda Glasbruk, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Vicke Lindstrand, Vase, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An organic blown glass vase, model Stella Polaris, designed by Vicke Lindstrand and produced by Orrefors, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

Ture Berglund, Bottle, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A blown glass bottle designed by Ture Berglund and produced by Skansens Glasbruk, Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

Arthur Percy, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue-glazed ceramic vase designed by Arthur Percy and produced by Gefle, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Christer Heijl, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed ceramic vase designed by Christer Heijl and produced by Töreboda Keramik, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Edvin Öhrström, Vase, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A blown-glass vase designed by Edvin Öhrström and produced by Orrefors, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

Arthur Percy, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed ceramic vase designed by Arthur Percy and produced by Gefle, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Scandinavian Modern Vase, Most Possibly by Ryds Glasbruk ca 1960's
Located in Örebro, SE
Scandinavian Modern vase, most possibly from Ryds Glasbruk, ca 1960's. Good vintage condition, wear and patina consistent with age and use. Scratches.
Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase Model. 3030, Iittala 1960s
Located in Helsinki, FI
Alvar Aalto entered and won a competition held at the Karhula-Iittala glass factory that was organized for the 1937 Paris World Fair. The year was 1936 and Aalto´s entry was called `...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Set of Two Amber Glass Gulvvase Vases by Otto Brauer for Holmegaard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Best known for this ”Gulvvase" design from 1962, Otto Brauer (1911–1984) started his career in the Danish glass industry at only 14 years of age and worked at the Holmegaard glasswor...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

Ture Berglund, Vase, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A blown glass vase designed by Ture Berglund and produced by Skansens Glasbruk, Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

Vintage Mid-Century Patinated Bronze Vase, GAB, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful 1930s bronze vase, hand cast at Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, GAB, and finished with moss green patina. GAB was founded in Stockholm in 1867 and was an important influence on the...
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Bronze

Sylvia Leuchovius for Rörstrand. Ceramic vase with dark-toned glaze.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Sylvia Leuchovius (1915–2003) for Rörstrand. Ceramic vase with dark-toned glaze. 1960s/70s. Marked. In perfect condition. First factory quality. Dimensions: H 10.0 x D 9.3 cm.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-century Modern Vintage Swedish Scandinavian Clear Glass Contour Vase, 1950s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This glass vase from the Contour series was designed by Vicke Lindstrand for the Swedish glassworks Kosta Glasbruk during the 1950s. It is made of high quality clear crystal glass wi...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

Danish Modern Ceramic Vase by Per Linnemann-Schmidt for Palshus, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Ceramic Vase by Per Linnemann-Schmidt for Palshus, 1960s. Torpedo shaped ceramic vase with hares fur glaze in green/sage by Palshus, Denmark. Palshus was established by...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Ture Berglund, Vase, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A blown glass vase designed by Ture Berglund and produced by Skansens Glasbruk, Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

Nittsjö, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A white-glazed ceramic vase designed and produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Erik Mornils, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green and brown-glazed earthenware vase designed by Erik Mornils and produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, c. 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Nittsjö, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A white-glazed ceramic vase designed and produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Swedish Designer, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A light-grey and brown-glazed ceramic vase designed and produced in Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
An off-white-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Bo Fajans, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A grey-glazed incised ceramic vase designed and produced by Bo Fajans, Gefle, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Börne Augustsson, Vase, Blown Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An organic blown glass vase designed by Börne Augustsson and produced by Åseda Glasbruk, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Wilhelm Kåge, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed stoneware vase designed by Wilhelm Kåge and produced by Gustavsberg, Sweden, c. 1950s.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Ellis Berg, Vase, Glass, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow tinted glass vase designed by Ellis Berg and produced by Kosta Boda, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

Carl Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand Ateljé. Ceramic vase in green and black tones.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Carl Harry Stålhane (1920-1990) for Rörstrand Ateljé, Sweden. Ceramic vase in green and black tones. 1960s. Marked. In perfect condition. Second factory quality. Dimensions: H 10.0 ...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige and orange-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Swedish Designer, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed ceramic vase designed and produced in Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg. Ceramic vase with a slender neck. Ca 1960
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden. Ceramic vase with a slender neck. Glazed in blue tones. Approximately from the 1960s. In perfect condition. Dimensions: Height 22.5 cm x Diame...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Motala Lervarufabrik, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed vase designed and produced by Motala Lervarufabrik, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Riihimäen Lasi, Vase, Glass, Finland, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue glass vase designed and produced by Riihimäen Lasi, Finland, 1930s.
Category

1930s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

Scandinavian Modern vases for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern vases for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage vases created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, stoneware and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern vases made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Sweden pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original vases, popular names associated with this style include Rörstrand, Upsala Ekeby, Gunnar Nylund, and Gustavsberg. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for vases differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $49 and tops out at $20,792 while the average work can sell for $1,110.

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