Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
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
- Emerged in the 1930s
- Scandinavian design and Nordic design originated primarily in Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Norway
- Introduced in the United States in mid-20th century
- Informed by the Bauhaus; influenced American mid-century modernism
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
- Alvar Aalto
- Hans Wegner
- Kaare Klint
- Arne Jacobsen
- Greta Magnusson Grossman
- Finn Juhl
- Arne Vodder
- Verner Panton
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.
to
6
41
41
39
1
3
6
7
41
27
12
1
37
22
4
4
2
28
13
37
36
36
Height
to
Width
to
41
41
41
90
49
43
41
27
Style: Scandinavian Modern
Creator: Gunnar Nylund
Art Deco Bronze Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful art deco bronze bowl with amazing patina.
Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Äkta Brons, Sweden, 1940s.
Excellent condition. Initials 'G.N.' on the front. Stamped 'ÄKTA BRON...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Bronze
Gunnar Nylund ARO Stoneware Bowl Blue and Green Glaze Rorstrand Sweden 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund ARO Stoneware Bowl Blue and Green Glaze Rorstrand Sweden 1960s
Measurements: 4" wide, 3" deep, 1" high in center and 1.5" high edges.
Incised "R (three crowns) Swede...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Stoneware
A Classic Elegant "Aro" Ceramic Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A Classic "Aro" Ceramic bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s. A timeless and sophisticated "Aro" bowl crafted by Gunnar Nylund showcases exquisite shades in blue and brow...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Collectors stoneware bowl in ceramic, Scandinavian Modern, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful, decorative stoneware bowl with glaze shifting in blues, black and brown.
By Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden mid1900s.
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Stoneware
Art Deco Bronze Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful art deco bronze bowl with amazing patina.
Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Äkta Brons, Sweden, 1940s.
Excellent condition. Initials 'G.N.' on the front. Stamped 'ÄKTA BRON...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Bronze
Gunnar Nylund Stoneware "GN ARU" Blue Bowl for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund Stoneware "GN ARU" Blue Bowl for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s
Beautiful stoneware bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand in shades of light blue and brown trim hares fur gl...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Leaf shaped green Bowl Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand - Mid 20th Century Scandinavia
Located in Stockholm, SE
A leaf-shaped, green bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the bowl is 28,5 x 13 cm (11.4" x 5.2") in diameter. It is in excellent condition except from a tiny chip near the b...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Large Swedish Mid Century Ceramic Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare large Swedish mid century ceramic / stoneware "AXK" bowl in blue brown glaze by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden 1950s.
In good original condition signed and numbered by the a...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund "ASX" Bowl Blue Brown Haresfur Glaze for Rörstrand Sweden, 1960s
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Oblong ceramic "ASX" tray / bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden. Made ca 1960s.
This is one of the harder to find pieces and it has the most beautiful blue, slightly green ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund "ARO" Medium Stoneware Bowl by Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund "ARO" medium stoneware bowl by Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s.
Measures: Height 3 1/4" (8cm)
Width 6 1/4" (16cm)
Depth 4 3/4" (12cm)
Incised "R (three crowns) Swed...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Stoneware
Stoneware Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful and rare stoneware bowl with amazing glaze.
Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
Excellent condition. Incised signature 'G.N.' and makers mark 'R' ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Stoneware "GN ARU" Light Blue Bowl for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund Stoneware "GN ARU" Light Blue Bowl for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s
Beautiful stoneware bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand in shades of l...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund ARO Stoneware Bowl with Hares Fur Glaze Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund ARO stoneware bowl with hares fur glaze Rorstrand Sweden 1960s
Measurements: 4" wide, 3" deep, 1" high in center and 1.5" high edges.
In...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Bowl Produced in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bronze bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced in Sweden.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Bronze
Gunnar Nylund Bowl Produced in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bronze bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced in Sweden.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Bronze
Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Large Axk Bowl Blue an Ocher Hares Fur Glaze Sweden 1950
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand large AXK bowl blue an Ocher Hares Fur glaze Sweden 1950.
This unique and large stoneware bowl is glazed with a delicate yet bold blue hares fur glaze with...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Stoneware
Swedish Mid Century Ceramic "Rubus" Dish by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare large Swedish mid century ceramic / stoneware "Rubus" dish / bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. In good original condition and signed by the artist.
Dimensions...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund "ARO" Medium Blue Green Stoneware Bowl Rorstrand Sweden 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund "ARO" medium Blue Green stoneware bowl Rorstrand Sweden 1960s
T
Measures: Height 3 1/4" (8cm)
Width 6 1/4" (16cm)
Depth 4 3/4" (12cm)
Incised "R (Three Crowns) Swed...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Stoneware
Blue Ceramic Bowl - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand - Mid 20th Century Scandinavia
Located in Stockholm, SE
A blue, round bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the bowl is 12.5 cm (5") in diameter and it is 9 cm (3.6") high. It is in excellent condition except from a small crack on ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Lovely Bowl Flambé-technique - Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand - Mid-20th Century Design
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely bowl in Flambé technique designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the bowl is 5.5 cm (2.2") High and 33.5 cm (13.4") Wide. It has a motif of a woman. The bowl is in excellent...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Unique, Brown Bowl, Gunnar Nylund, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
Located in Stockholm, SE
A unique squared brown bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the bowl is 26 x 26 cm (10.4" x 10.4") in diameter and it is 3 cm (1.2") high. It is in ...
Category
Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Stoneware
Large Blue Speckled Bowl, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s, Mid Century Vintage
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely blue bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the bowl is 39 x 26 cm (15.6" x 10.4") in diameter. It´s in excellent condition, it is marked as 1st quality.
Gunnar Nylu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Stoneware
Two Mustard Yellow Ceramic Plates by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Two ceramic plates from the Eterna series, designed by Gunnar Nylund and fabricated by Rörstrand.
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Green Stoneware Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware bowl with amazing glaze.
Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Great condition.
Incised signature 'G.N.' and makers mark, Rörstrands three c...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Brown Bowl, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Acorn shaped, Mid-Century Vintage
Located in Stockholm, SE
A acorn-shaped brown bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it´s 13,5 x 8,5 cm in diameter. It´s in very good condition except from some minor marks. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Stoneware
Swedish Mid Century Ceramic "Rubus" Bowls by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare pair of Swedish mid century ceramic / stoneware "Rubus" bowls by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. In good original condition and signed by the artist.
Dimensions: H:...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Stoneware
Set of 3 Porcelain Crown Window Bowls by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1933.
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of three beautiful porcelain crown window bowls.
Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1933.
Excellent condition. First sorting. Stamped 'Rörstrand' and 'Sweden'....
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Set of 2 Porcelain Crown Window Bowls by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1933.
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of two beautiful porcelain crown window bowls with a hand-painted gold band on the foot.
Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1933.
Excellent condition. First so...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
A Classic Blue "Aro" ceramic bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A Classic elegant "Aro" ceramic bowl by Gunnar Nylund. Shades in blue and brown glaze. Made for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s. Inscribed with artist signature and Rorstand studio mark. E...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Stoneware bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful stoneware platter in a leaf shape by Gunnar Nylund. Purplish brown glaze with contrasting bright blue areas.
Gunnar Nylund was one of the most influential ceramicists and designers of the Swedish mid-century period. He was Rörstrand’s creative leader from 1931 until 1949 and as such propelled the artistic work at the factory and served as mentor to younger artists, among them Carl-Harry Stålhane and Hertha Bengtsson.
Nylund was a dedicated functionalist, who brought ideas of democratizing stoneware and creating beautiful, qualitative and affordable everyday items for the people to Rörstand in the mid-1920s. The factory had at the time lost its former leading market position, but Nylund’s efforts gave it a great reboot. He designed ceramic kitchenware...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Stoneware
Pair of Stoneware Bowls by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of stoneware bowls by Gunnar Nylund, of the appealing “ARO” model. Streamlined, oval form with plunging sides. One with rich brown glaze and the other with eggshell and blue glaze.
Category
1950s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Stoneware
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stoneware vase in a clean form by Gunnar Nylund, the undulating rim softens the form. Vivacious blue glaze with purple streaks.
Gunnar Nylund was one of the most influential ceramicists and designers of the Swedish mid-century period. He was Rörstrand’s creative leader from 1931 until 1949 and as such propelled the artistic work at the factory and served as mentor to younger artists, among them Carl-Harry Stålhane and Hertha Bengtsson.
Nylund was a dedicated functionalist, who brought ideas of democratizing stoneware and creating beautiful, qualitative and affordable everyday items for the people to Rörstand in the mid-1920s. The factory had at the time lost its former leading market position, but Nylund’s efforts gave it a great reboot. He designed ceramic kitchenware...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Stoneware
A Classic Elegant "Aro" ceramic bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A Classic elegant "Aro" ceramic bowl by Gunnar Nylund. Shades in blue and brown glaze. Made for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s. Inscribed with artist signature and Rorstand studio mark. E...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Stoneware "GN ARU" Bowl for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund stoneware "GN ARU" bowl for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s.
Beautiful stoneware bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand in shades of blue and brown trim hares fur glaze. Signe...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Aro Stoneware Bowl with Hares Fur Glaze Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund ARO stoneware bowl with hares fur glaze Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s.
Measurements: 4" wide, 3" deep, 1" high in center and 1.5" high edges.
...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund "ARO" Medium Stoneware Bowl by Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund "ARO" medium stoneware bowl by Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s
Measures: Height 3 1/4" (8cm)
Width 6 1/4" (16cm)
Depth 4 3/4" (12cm)
Incised "R (Three Crowns) Sweden ...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Stoneware
Ceramic Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, 1960's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Ceramic Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, 1960's
Additional Information:
Material: Ceramic
Style: Mid century, Scandinavian
Ceramic bowl model ARO
Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden
Dimensions (W...
Category
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund "NSR" Dish Blueish Green Haresfur Glaze, Rorstrand Sweden, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund "NSR" dish blueish green haresfur glaze, Rorstrand Sweden, 1960s.
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund ARO Stoneware Bowl with Hares Fur Glaze Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund ARO stoneware bowl with hares fur glaze Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s.
Measurements: 4" wide, 3" deep, 1" high in center and 1.5" high ed...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund "ARO" Medium Stoneware Bowl by Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund "ARO" medium stoneware bowl by Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s
Measures: Height 3 1/4" (8cm)
Width 6 1/4" (16cm)
Depth 4 3/4" (12cm)
Incised "R (Three Crowns) Sweden GN ARO".
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Stoneware
Two Brown and green-glazed Gunnar Nylund Bowls, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Two Classic brown and beige-glazed stoneware bowls designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s. Marked as 1st quality.
Gunnar Nylund, born in Paris in 1904 to parents engaged in sculptin...
Category
1950s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Stoneware
Scandinavian Modern decorative bowls for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern decorative bowls 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 decorative bowls created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, stoneware and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern decorative bowls 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 decorative bowls, popular names associated with this style include Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane, 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 decorative bowls differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $50 and tops out at $12,850 while the average work can sell for $525.