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Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture

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
Period: Mid-20th Century
Scandinavian Mid Century Modernist Abstract Painting, 1960
Located in Utrecht, NL
Abstract Mid Century modernist painting in a beautiful colourway by unknown artist. Purchased from Danish estate. Highly decorative piece in bright colours. Reframed and re-stretc...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Paint

A pair of 1960s Teak Johannes Andersen Dining Chairs for Uldum Denmark
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Offering a pair of Johannes Andersen-designed curved dining chairs for Uldum Møbelfabrik Denmark, these Scandinavian Modern classics are carved from solid teak wood. Symbolizing Dani...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Textile, Upholstery, Oak, Teak

‘Lovö’ Chairs by Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Berlin, BE
Nordiska Kompaniet 1930s. Provenance: Purchased in the 1930s by the provincial doctor Nils Brolin (1895-1959) for the waiting room at his doctor's surgery in Brolinska villa, Flen.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Pine

Mid-Century Swedish Flat-Weave Kilim by Gitt Grannsjo Carlsson, ca. 1950
Located in Ferrara, IT
This is a semi-antique Swedish kilim woven circa 1950 and it measures 235 X 162 cm. It bares initial of GG (Gitt Grannsjo Carlsson) with a beautiful soft pastel color palette and geo...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wool

Erik Wørts for Niels Eilersen Rosewood and Leather Lounge Chair
Located in Braga, Braga
Lounge chair Designer: Erik Wørts Production: Niels Eilersen Origin: Denmark Period: 1960s Material: rosewood and leather Color: black Dimensions: 76 cm hight x 60 cm width x ...
Category

1960s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Swedish Flatweave Rug Rollakan Cross Motif, 1950-1970
Located in Ferrara, IT
This Swedish kilim rug measure 214 x 130 cm and is handmade with classic flat weave technique. Many of these carpets were hanged on walls, behind people’s backs, and on the backrests...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wool

Vintage Swedish Flat-Weave Kilim by Anna Joanna Angstrom, ca. 1950
Located in Ferrara, IT
This is a semi-antique Swedish kilim woven circa 1950 and it measures 237 X 165 cm. It bares initial of OA (Anna Joanna Angstrom) with a fresh and delightful color palette. An elegan...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wool

Dining Table 'AT-304’ by Hans Wegner
Located in Berlin, BE
Dining table produced by Andreas Tuck with a rectangular teak top that can be extended to the sides and curved, crossed beech wood legs with brass joints.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Brass

Swedish Kilim Signed By Ingegerd Silow, ca. 1950
Located in Ferrara, IT
This is a semi-antique Swedish kilim woven circa 1920 and it measures 282 X 200 CM. The design of this kilim is attributed to Ingegerd Silow, one of the most influential designers in...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wool

Hans J. Wegner Ox Chair Patinated Lounge Chair in Black Aniline Leather
Located in Herlev, 84
Hans J. Wegner Ox Chair in black anilin leather from around the year 2000, which appears in a patinated condition with superficial scratches and marks, primarily on the seat and armr...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Steel

Rya Rug Olive Green Field Color, 1920-1950
Located in Ferrara, IT
This is a vintage Swedish "Rya" rug woven circa 1920-1950 and measures 198 X 138 CM. It features a mesmerizing contemporary mid-century design that looks simple but complex at the sa...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wool

Danish Cast Iron Tripod Moon Crater Dish Cabin Candelabra Midcentury Sculpture
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Uncommon form. Very matte grey/black, 2-piece, cast iron candelabra or dish with pierced lid. Heavy little table decor. Weighs just over 5.5 lbs.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Iron

Set of Ten Dining Chairs Designed by Aino Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Set of ten dining chairs designed by Aino Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1950s. Birch and cane. Very rare model. Measurements: H: 74 cm/ 29" W: 58 cm/ 22 3/4" D: 42 cm/ 16 1/2" Prove...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Cane, Birch

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Bamboo Chair by Ubunji Kidokoro
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H 29.93 in W 23.63 in D 30.71 in
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Central Asian Embroidered Textile, “Suzani”, Mid 20th Century
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
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Central Asian Embroidered Textile, “Suzani”, Mid 20th Century
Central Asian Embroidered Textile, “Suzani”, Mid 20th Century
Free Shipping
H 39.77 in W 15.36 in D 0.02 in
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An Oak Cabinet by Hans J. Wegner
Located in Berlin, BE
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An Oak Cabinet by Hans J. Wegner
An Oak Cabinet by Hans J. Wegner
H 60.44 in W 48.23 in D 19.49 in
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Located in Braga, Braga
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Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture

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Christian Linneberg Rosewood Sideboard
Christian Linneberg Rosewood Sideboard
H 30.71 in W 88.59 in D 19.69 in
Set of 12 Stackable Alvar Aalto 611-Chairs for Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
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Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture

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Vintage Swedish Flat-Weave Kilim by Ingegerd Silow, Ca. 1950
Located in Ferrara, IT
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Vintage Swedish Flat-Weave Kilim by Brita Svefors, ca. 1950
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Lisa Larson "African Series" Ceramic Lion Sculpture for Gustavsberg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
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Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture

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1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture

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Midcentury Danish Modern Teak Wall Mirror Wegner Era
Located in Chula Vista, CA
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1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture

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Clausen and Son Teak Sideboard, Danish Design, 1960s
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
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1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture

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Collection of Vases by Carl Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
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Scandinavian Modern asian art and furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern asian art and furniture 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 asian art and furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, rugs and carpets, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern asian art and furniture 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 asian art and furniture, popular names associated with this style include Studio Bermúdez , Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi , Stig Lindberg, and Aino Aalto. 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 asian art and furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $275 and tops out at $46,243 while the average work can sell for $2,319.

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