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.
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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Hjördis Oldfors for Upsala Ekeby. "Bengali" ceramic bowl in modernist design
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Hjördis Oldfors (1920-2014) for Upsala Ekeby.
"Bengali" ceramic bowl in modernist design.
Model number: 5017.
Approximately from the 1960s.
In perfect condition.
Marked.
Dimensions:...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Ib Geertsen Bowl Produced in Denmark
By Ib Geertsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Enamel bowl designed by Ib Geertsen. Produced in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Enamel
Carl Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand. Miniature ceramic bowl in brown tones.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Carl Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand.
Miniature ceramic bowl in brown tones.
From the 1960s.
Marked.
In excellent condition.
Second factory quality.
Dimensions: H 3.8 cm x D 10.8 cm.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Ceramic bowl with glaze in blue and brown tones.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand.
Ceramic bowl with glaze in blue and brown tones.
Mid-20th century.
Marked.
In excellent condition.
Second factory quality.
Dimensions: Diameter 17 cm, H...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Gertrud Lonegren / BOWL / Rorstrand
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
Gertrud Lonegren was a designer at Rorstrand from 1936 to 1941.
Together with GUNNAR NYLUND, who became Rorstrand's artistic director in 1931, he laid the foundations for Rorstrand'...
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Stoneware
Nils Thorsson for Royal Copenhagen. Unique ceramic bowl with elephant motif.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Nils Thorsson for Royal Copenhagen.
Unique ceramic bowl with elephant motif. Glazed in royal blue.
In perfect condition.
Signed and dated 1947.
Dimensions: D 14.5 x H 3.0 cm.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Ingrid Atterberg for Upsala-Ekeby. Square "Corso" ceramic bowl, 1960s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ingrid Atterberg for Upsala-Ekeby.
Square "Corso" ceramic bowl with a geometric pattern.
Model 2227.
From the 1960s.
Marked.
In excellent condition with some natural cracks from prod...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Carl Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand, Sweden. Large "California" bowl in ceramic
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Carl Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand, Sweden.
Large "California" bowl in ceramic with violet and gray glaze. Stylish design.
Mid-20th century.
In excellent condition.
Marked.
First fact...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Small ceramic bowl with glaze in green-brown tones
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand.
Small ceramic bowl with a beautiful glaze in green-brown tones.
Mid-20th century.
Marked.
First factory quality
In excellent condition.
Dimensions: L 8....
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Marianne Westman for Rörstrand. Piggelin ceramic bowl in retro design. 1970s.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Marianne Westman for Rörstrand. Piggelin ceramic bowl in retro design.
1970s.
In perfect condition.
First factory quality.
Marked.
Dimensions: D 14.8 cm x H 6.0 cm.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Carl-Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand, "Andalusia", ceramic bowl in deep blue glaze
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Carl-Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand
"Andalusia", a ceramic low bowl in deep blue glaze.
1960's.
Perfect condition.
First factory quality.
Marked.
Dimensions: D 21.5 x H 4.0 cm.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Osa, Denmark, Two Small Retro Unique Ceramic Bowls with Yellow-Brown Glaze
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Osa, Denmark.
Two small retro unique ceramic bowls with glaze in yellow-brown tones.
1970s.
In excellent condition.
The large bowl measures: D 12.0 x H 4.5 cm.
OSA was a colla...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Schreuder & Olsson Swedish Pewter Bowl or Centerpiece, Mid-20th Century
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautifully crafted pewter bowl or centerpiece by renowned Swedish maker Schreuder & Olsson, showcasing the clean lines and functional elegance typical of mid-20th-century Scandina...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Pewter
Hugo Gehlin for Gullaskruf, Sweden, Five Small Art Glass Bowls, Approx. 1960s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Hugo Gehlin for Gullaskruf, Sweden, five small art glass bowls.
Approx. 1960s.
Signed.
Sticker.
In excellent condition.
Dimensions small: L 9.1 x D 8.0 x H 3.0 cm.
Dimensions l...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Art Glass
Carl Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand, Sweden, Large Bowl in Dark Blue Shades
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Carl Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand, Sweden.
Large bowl with glaze in dark blue shade.
Mid-20th century.
First factory quality.
In excellent condition.
Marked.
Measures: L 19.0 x...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Kähler, HAK. Glazed ceramic bowl with hand-painted leaves and acorns. 1960s.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kähler, HAK. Glazed ceramic bowl with hand-painted leaves and acorns. 1960s.
Measures: 23.5 x 8.5 cm.
In excellent condition.
Signed.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund '1904-1997' for Rörstrand, Two Bowls in Glazed Ceramics
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997) for Rörstrand. Two bowls in glazed ceramics.
Beautiful glaze in brown shades. Mid-20th century.
Measures: 14 x 6.5 cm.
In excellent condition.
Signed.
...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Stig Lindberg for Rörstrand, Three Rare Bowls in Glazed Ceramics
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Stig Lindberg for Rörstrand. Three rare bowls in glazed ceramics with hand-painted flowers and birds. 1960s.
Measures: 12 x 4.5 cm.
In excellent condition.
Signed.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Sven Wejsfelt for Gustavsberg Studio, Unique Bowl in Glazed Ceramics, 1989
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Sven Wejsfelt for Gustavsberg studio hand. Unique bowl in glazed ceramics, 1989.
Beautiful glaze in blue shades.
Signed.
In very good condition.
Measures 11 x 4.5 cm.
Category
1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Elis Bergh Swedish Modern Glass Bowl, Kosta, Signed
By Kosta Boda
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very nice late 1920´s bluetoned glass bowl by Kosta after a design by Elis Bergh (1881-1954) Signed B305 Kosta on the bottom. Very nice condition.
Elis Bergh, was an architect ...
Category
1920s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Art Glass
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Bowl in Glazed Ceramics
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997) for Rörstrand. Bowl in glazed ceramics.
Beautiful glaze in earth tones. Mid-20th century.
Measures: 14 x 12 cm.
Height: 6.5 cm.
In excellent condition....
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, for Rörstrand, Bowl in Glazed Ceramics
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997) for Rörstrand. Bowl in glazed ceramics.
Beautiful glaze in light earth tones. Mid-20th century.
Measures: 9 x 8 cm.
Height: 3.5 cm.
In excellent condit...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Gutte Eriksen, Own Workshop, Ear Bowl with Handles, Mid-20th C
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Gutte Eriksen (1918-2008), own workshop. Ear bowl with handles in glazed stoneware.
Danish design, mid 20th century.
Measures: 16.7 x 6 cm.
In excellent condition.
Signed.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Stoneware
Gutte Eriksen, Own Workshop, Ear Bowl with Handles, Mid-20th C
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Gutte Eriksen (1918-2008), own workshop. Ear bowl with handles in glazed stoneware.
Danish design, mid 20th century.
Measures: 16 x 5.5 cm.
In excellent condition.
Signed.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Stoneware
Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg Studio Hand, Bowl with Handles in Glazed Faience
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg studio hand. Bowl with handles in glazed faience with hand-painted flowers.
1940s.
Measures: 23.5 x 7.5 cm.
In excellent condition.
Signed.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Faience
Round Rörstrand Bowl in Glazed Ceramics, Mid-20th C
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Round Rörstrand bowl in glazed ceramics. Beautiful glaze in brown shades. Mid-20th century.
Measures: 25 x 6.5 cm.
In excellent condition.
Signed.
1st factory quality.
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Sven Jonson for Gustavsberg, Lagun Vase and Bowl in Glazed Stoneware
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Sven Jonson for Gustavsberg. Lagun vase and bowl in glazed stoneware.
Beautiful glaze in shades of blue. 1960s.
The vase measures: 20.5 x 8 cm.
In excellent condition.
Stamped.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Stoneware
Swedish Ceramicist, Bowl in Black Glazed Ceramics with Abstract Motif
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Swedish ceramicist. Bowl in black glazed ceramics with abstract motif, 1950s-1960s.
Measures: 17 x 4.5 cm.
In excellent condition.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Ingrid Atterberg for Uppsala Ekeby, Large Bowl in Glazed Stoneware, 1951-1952
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ingrid Atterberg for Uppsala Ekeby. Large bowl in glazed stoneware. Striped design in blue and pink shades. Dated 1951-1952.
Measures: 24 x 7.5 cm.
Stamped.
In excellent condition.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Stoneware
Nils Thorsson for Aluminia, "Marselis" Faience Bowl with Geometric Pattern
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Nils Thorsson for Aluminia. "Marselis" faience bowl with a geometric pattern in beautiful oxblood glaze, mid-20th century.
Measures: 19 x 4 cm.
In very good condition.
Stamped.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Faience
Stig Lindberg, Veckla Bowl - Gustavsberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Decorative bowl designed by Stig Lindberg ''Veckla'' for Gustavsberg.
Measurements: 14,5x9CM
Good vintage condition.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Ceramic
Carl-Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand, Hand Painted Bowl in Glazed Stoneware, 1960s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Carl-Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand. Hand painted bowl in glazed stoneware decorated with man in field, 1960s.
Measures: 18 x 3 cm.
In very good cond...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Stoneware
Wilhelm Kåge ‘1889-1960’ for Gustavsberg, Large Bowl of Stoneware
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Wilhelm Kåge (1889-1960) for Gustavsberg.
Large bowl of stoneware, decorated with brown and blueish glaze.
Stamped. Gustavsberg Kåge Verkstad.
In perfect condition.
Measures 20.5...
Category
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Stoneware
Elis Bergh Swedish Modern Glass Bowl, Kosta, Signed
By Kosta Boda
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very nice late 1920´s bluetoned glass bowl by Kosta after a design by Elis Bergh (1881-1954) Signed B305 Kosta on the bottom. Very nice condition.
Elis Bergh, was an architect ...
Category
1920s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Art Glass
Stig Lindberg Bowl, Gustavsberg Studio, Fajance, 1940s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Stig lindberg bowl, Gustavsberg studio, Fajance, 1940s.
Measures: 23 cm x 14.5 cm.
Signed with "studiohand".
In perfect condition.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Gustavsberg Three Ceramic Bowls, Glaze in Blue and Green Tones, 1960s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Gustavsberg three ceramic bowls.
Glaze in blue and green tones, 1960s.
Marked.
Measures: Largest bowl 18.5 cm. x 3.5 cm.
In perfect condition.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Pair of Royal Copenhagen Art Pottery Bowls by Bode Willumsen, Mid-20th Century
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A pair of Royal Copenhagen art pottery bowls by Bode Willumsen.
Mid-20th century fine oxblood glaze.
Size: 6 cm. in heights and 15 cm. in diameter.
Number 20161 & 20162.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Steel and Enamel Planter
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A large-sized bowl or planter in steel and red porcelain enamel with its original rare Minimalist stand fashioned from three blackened rods of iron.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Steel
Dish “Thinware” Designed by Inge Vincents, Denmark, 2000s
By Inge Vincents
Located in Stockholm, SE
Dish “Thinware” designed by Inge Vincents,
Denmark. 2000s.
Porcelain.
Measure: H 10 cm/ 4"
D 32.5 cm/ 1' 1 1/8".
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Porcelain
Green Glass 'Mine' Bowls by Ulrica Hydman-Vallien
Located in London, England
Height: 10cm
Diameter: 26cm
Designer: Ulrica Hydman-Vallien
Date: 1990s
Materials: Glass
Description: Famed glass artist Hydman-Vallien’s beautfiful function design of a spun green...
Category
1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Blown Glass
Bowl Designed by Ingegerd Råman for Orrefors, Sweden, 2000s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Bowl designed by Ingegerd Råman for Orrefors,
Sweden. 2000's.
Glass.
Dimensions:
H: 24 cm/ 9 1/2''
D: 34.5 cm/ 1' 2''
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Glass
Teak Peridiocals Basket from Denmark
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A well scaled and unusual periodicals basket having an adjustable bronze riveted looping handle and finely crafted of molded teak plywood.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Teak
Travertine Locus Bowl by Sofie Østerby for Fredericia
Located in Dubai, AE
The Locus bowl is a modern design inspired by traditional stone carving techniques. A decorative bowl, elegantly proportioned and exceptionally crafted with grooves around the outer edge as a graphic expression of the stone carving process.
With the choice of travertine, Locus embodies Danish designer Sofie...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Travertine
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.