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Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

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
Color:  Black
Scandinavian Modern Timo Sarpaneva Crystal Art Sculpture Claritas Handblown 1992
Located in EL Waalre, NL
Timo Sarpaneva – Freeblown crystal Art-Object “Claritas” – Iittala, Finland 1997 A freeblown clear, white and black coloured crystal Art-object / sculpture “Claritas”. Designed by f...
Category

1990s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Crystal

2 Stoneware Owls - Carl-Harry Stålhane - Rörstrand - Midcentury Vintage
Located in Stockholm, SE
Two rare owl sculptures in stoneware designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand. They are 8.5 cm (3.4") high. They are in good condition except from some marks from the production ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Rare Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda Sweden teacup , 1980’s
Located in Delft, NL
Rare Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda Sweden teacup , 1980’s Dimensions: 15cm H, 14cmW, 12,5cm D Condition: Good Period: 1980’s Origin: Sweden Designer: Kjell Engman Manufacturer: Kosta ...
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Scandinavian Abstract Modernism Iron Sculpture by Erik Aalykke, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Unique sculpture handmade by Danish artist Erik Aalykke in his own studio in the 1960s. The piece is made from acid treated iron with a beautiful patina. Erik Aalykke (1923-83) used...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Unique Brutalist Sculpture by Ole Bjørn Krüger, Own Studio, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Unique large floor sculpture by Danish artist Ole Bjørn Krüger (1922-2007) made in the 1960s in his own workshop. Abstract stalagmite columns hand scu...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Danish Abstract Steel Sculpture 1960s
By Helge Holmskov
Located in Valby, 84
Rare abstract steel sculpture made in Denmark in the 1960s by a unknown Danish artist. The sculpture is made of cast iron and has over the years Gotten a beautiful patina. The sc...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Glass Boat Sculpture Limited Edition Voyage
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: 18cm W, 4,5cm D, 3,5cm H with stand: 20cm W, 7cm D, 6,5cm H 7520011 Limited edition 500 pieces Signed by artist.
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Scandinavian Modern Gunnar Nylund Stoneware Antilope Sculpture Rörstrand ca 1955
Located in EL Waalre, NL
Gunnar Nylund, Stoneware Sculpture of an Antilope, Rörstrand, Sweden, circa 1955 Description A large stoneware sculpture of an Antilope, finished in matte reddish brown and dark brown glazes on a satin-gloss black lacquered wooden base, made in a limited edition of 200 pieces. Gunnar Nyland was particular known for his animal figures with beautiful experimental glazes. The larger examples of exotic animals - like this antilope - are especially sought after. This sculpture was designed by Gunnar Nylund and executed by the Swedish ceramics factory Rörstrand in the 1950's. It is fully signed underneath: R (Rörstrand) Sweden with 3 crowns (after 1951 Rörstrand changed to the international spelling Sweden), GN (Gunnar Nylund) and 83/200. As it lacks the post 1960 VDN markings, this piece can be dated between 1951 and 1960. Artist Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997) was a Swedish artist, ceramist and sculptor most known for his work for the Swedish ceramic manufacturer Rörstrand. He was born in Paris to a Danish mother...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Rare Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda Sculpture, 1980’s
Located in Delft, NL
Unique piece by Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda. In mint condition. Abstract glass art.    
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Scandinavian Contemporary Design, Portoro Marble w Green Glass by Erik Olovsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Cut Out Solid Portoro Marble combined with a delicate mouth blown glass bubble.
Category

2010s Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Marble

PH Grand Piano PH186 Excellence, Black Leather, Chrome, Modern, Sculptural
Located in Copenhagen, DK
- All prices are listed ex works. - 5 year guarantee. - We regularly crate, ship and install PH Pianos worldwide with full insurance. The Poul Henningsen-designed PH Grand Piano...
Category

2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Chrome

Concretist Sculpture "P16" by Lars Erik Falk, Sweden, 1969
Located in Stockholm, SE
Striking sculpture by Lars Erik Falk, made from black lacquered metal. Interesting angles, different perspectives from different angles. Named “P16”. Lars Erik Falk (1922-1918) was one of Sweden’s foremost constructivists. He was a painter and sculptor, represented with several public works...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Thomas Hellström for Nittsjö, Two Unique Ceramic Figures
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Thomas Hellström for Nittsjö. Two unique ceramic figures. Swedish design, circa 1960s. Stamped. Measures: 26 x 19 cm. (largest) In excellent condition.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Scandinavian Modern, Hand Crafted Metal Sculpture of a Bird, Brass and Copper
Located in New York, NY
A Scandinavian Modern, hand crafted metal sculpture of a bird make from brass, copper and iron on a wood base. Designer unknown, circa 1960’s. Measures: height: 13.5“ width: 11“ ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Copper, Iron

Unique Scandinavian Bird Sculpture Rolf Hansen Kongsberg Keramikk, Norway, 1950s
By Rolf Hansen, Kongsberg Keramikk
Located in Odense, DK
Playful unique bird sculpture in glazed chamotte ceramics by Rolf Hansen, Norway. The sculpture was handmade by Hansen at Konsberg Keramikk in the early 1950s. Rolf Hansen was a Norwegian ceramist. From 1947 he attended Kongsberg Keramikk until his death in 2004. Rolf Hansens works make people feel easy to mind, and motives of roosters and bulls were closest to his trademark. The source of inspiration for Rolf Hansen was Pablo Picasso. In 1949 he was in Vallauris in France and became acquainted with Picasso's pottery, and in the early 1950s Rolf Hansen made dishes and jars with abstract decor in his spirit. Rolf Hansen was one of Norways most popular ceramics...
Category

1950s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Swedish Art Deco, Palladium Theatre "Comedy" Sculpture in Copper, Stockholm 1920
Located in New York, NY
A large exterior sculpture from the circa 1918 Palladium theatre in Stockholm, Sweden. Made completely of copper this “comedy” face is enclosed in a...
Category

Early 20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Copper

Danish Knud Kyhn Baby Bear Figurine for Royal Copenhagen
Located in Knebel, DK
Danish Knud Kyhn baby bear sculpture for Royal Copenhagen The lively bear sculpture of a playing baby bear was created by Knud Kyhn (1880-1969) Knud Kyhn ...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Danish Knud Kyhn Baby Bear Figurine for Royal Copenhagen
Located in Knebel, DK
Danish Knud Kyhn bear sculpture for Royal Copenhagen The lively bear sculpture of a playing baby bear was created by Knud Kyhn (1880-1969) Knud Kyhn worke...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Lars Dan. Glazed Stoneware Sculpture
Located in Kastrup, DK
Lars Dan, Danish artist born 1960. Glazed stoneware sculpture. Organic, abstract form - according to the artist himself, the sculpture depicts people crawlin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

1950s Set of Five Danish Knud Kyhn Bear Sculptures for Royal Copenhagen
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of five Danish Knud Kyhn bear sculptures for Royal Copenhagen The five lively bear sculptures were created by Knud Kyhn (1880-1969) Knud Kyhn wor...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Danish Knud Kyhn Bear Figurine for Royal Copenhagen
Located in Knebel, DK
Danish Knud Kyhn bear figurine for Royal Copenhagen The lively figurine of a playing baby bear was created by Knud Kyhn (1880-1969). Knud Kyhn work...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Danish Knud Kyhn Baby Bear Figurine for Royal Copenhagen
Located in Knebel, DK
Danish Knud Kyhn baby bear figurine for Royal Copenhagen The lively figurine of a playing baby bear was created by Knud Kyhn (1880-1969) Knud Kyhn worked ...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

1950s Set of Five Danish Knud Kyhn Bear Figurines for Royal Copenhagen
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of five Danish Knud Kyhn bear sculptures for Royal Copenhagen The five lively bear sculptures were created by Knud Kyhn (1880-1969) Knud Kyhn wor...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

1950's Danish Knud Kyhn Falcon Figurine for Royal Copenhagen
Located in Knebel, DK
Danish Knud Kyhn falcon figurine for Royal Copenhagen The lively falcon was created by Knud Kyhn (1880-1969) in 1957. Knud Kyhn worked for Royal Copenhagen from 1903-1910, 1924-19...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Jeanne Grut for Aluminia, Colossal Sculpture in Glazed Ceramics, Musk Ox Calf
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Jeanne Grut for Aluminia. Colossal sculpture in glazed ceramics. Musk ox calf. 1950s. Measures: 41 x 19 cm. Height: 34 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Paul Hoff for Swedish Glass, Four Figures in Art Glass, WWF, 1980s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Paul Hoff for Swedish glass. Four figures in art glass. Hedgehog, toad, horse and falcon. WWF. 1980s. The falcon measures: 17.5 x 9.5 cm. In perfect condition. Stamped.
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Sven Wejsfelt for Gustavsberg, Unique Stim Fish in Glazed Ceramics
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Sven Wejsfelt (1930-2009) for Gustavsberg. Unique Stim fish in glazed ceramics. Perch. 1980s. Measures: 15 x 8 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Thomas Hellström for Nittsjö, Flute Shaped like a Bird in Glazed Stoneware
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Thomas Hellström for Nittsjö. Flute shaped like a bird in glazed stoneware. 1960s / 70s. Measures: 19 x 10,5 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Lovely Vintage Black Abstract Sculpture Wood Johnny Mattsson, Midcentury, Sweden
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely wooden sculpture designed by the famous wooden sculptor Johnny Mattsson in Gävle, Sweden in the midcentury. It is in very good condition except from that one of its legs is ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Karl Erik Iwar for Nittsjö, Boy and Girl, 1960s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Karl Erik Iwar (1920-2006) for Nittsjö. Two figures in hand-painted glazed stoneware. Boy and girl. 1960s. Largest measures: 10.5 x 7 cm. In excellent...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Karl Erik Iwar for Nittsjö, Horse in Glazed Stoneware, 1960s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Karl Erik Iwar (1920-2006) for Nittsjö. Horse in glazed stoneware. 1960s. Measures: 20 x 17 cm. In excellent condition. Signed.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Klase Jr. for Höganäs, Unique Bird in Glazed Stoneware, Dated 1981
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Klase Jr. for Höganäs. Unique bird in glazed stoneware. Dated 1981. Measures: 13.5 x 11 cm. In excellent condition. Signed and dated.
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Large Ceramic, Stoneware Vase in Bronze Glaze by Danish Artist Ole Victor, 2020
Located in Odense, DK
Large ceramic vase by Danish artist Ole Victor, 2020. Stoneware in bronze glaze. Ole Victor is a Danish artist who attended Art Academy between 1975 and 1980. He creates artworks an...
Category

2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Scandinavian Modern Sculpture by Ole Bjørn Krüger, Own Studio, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Impressive large abstract sculpture by Danish artist Ole Bjørn Krüger (1922-2007) made in the 1960s in his own workshop. Made from white glazed stoneware ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Bunch of Grapes, Ceramics by Hans Hedberg, Biot, France
Located in Stockholm, SE
Large bunch of grapes made by Hans Hedberg (1917-2007) Swedish ceramist who had his studio in Biot, near nice in France. Hedberg worked with several fam...
Category

1960s French Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Bird Figurine from Bing & Grondhal, 1979-1983
Located in Chorzów, PL
Bird figurine from Bing & Grondhal.  
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Swedish Armillary Sculpture
Located in Atlanta, GA
This figural armillary of Atlas, constructed of metal with a copper numeric banding, hails from Sweden. Original matte black finish and mounted on a well-proportioned custom wooden pedestal also painted in black lacquer. It is missing one strip of numbers on the inside ring but makes a beautiful over-sized sculpture for a variety of decor styles. Please note the listing is for the sculpture only. The antique white pedestal...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Ivy Lysdal, b. 1937, Danish Ceramist and Painter, Abstract Unique Sculpture
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ivy Lysdal, b. 1937. Danish ceramist and painter. Abstract unique sculpture. 1970s. In very good condition. Measures: 10 x 9 cm Signed: ILS (Ivy Lysdal Savitsky) Educated at t...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Sculpture, “Tjurhuvud, ” Designed by Edvin Öhrström, Sweden, 1952
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sculpture, “Tjurhuvud,” Designed by Edvin Öhrström, Sweden, 1952. Signed and dated "E. Öhrstrom, 1983." Glass. Measurements: H: 77 cm/ 2' 6 1/3" W: ...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Scandinavian Ceramist, Sculpture in Black Glazed Ceramics, Woman Carrying Basket
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Scandinavian ceramist. Sculpture in black glazed ceramics. A woman carrying basket, 1960s. Measures: 30 x 12 cm. In very good condition. ...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Gertrud Kudielka for Hjorth 'Bornholm', Dancing girl, 1960s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Gertrud Kudielka 1896-1984 for Hjorth (Bornholm). Dancing girl in glazed ceramics, 1960s. Measures: 27 x 18 cm. In very good condition. Stamped.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Stoneware Fish Figures by Willi Fischer, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Barcelona, ES
A pair of stoneware fish figures by Willi Fischer for his own company Fischer Stengods, Sweden 1970s.
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Monumental Swordfish in Patinated Bronze
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Monumental swordfish in patinated bronze. Measures: 71 cm. X 20 cm. In perfect condition. Unstamped. Mid-20 century.
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Giant-Sized King's Guardsman by Kay Bojesen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A very rare and monumental giant-sized model of the Royal Danish King's Guardsman hand crafted in wood having movable arms and legs and retaining its ...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Set of Two Danish Modern Bear Musician Figurines
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Pair of Danish Modern bear musician figurines by L. Horth for Royal Copenhagen. Priced as a set of two.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Large, Impressive Danish Private Collection, Figure of Elderly Man Jens Petersen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Large and impressive Danish private collection (Total of 42 unique vases, bowls, figurines, etc.) Soren Kongstrand 1872-1951) and Jens Petersen (1890-195...
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Pair of Bronze Vases by Oscar Antonsson
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of patinated Bronze vases designed by Oscar Arvid Antonsson (1898-1960) for Athena Ystad. Sweden Circa 1940s. The decor of the woman and the fiddl...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Naiv Scandinavian Ceramic Wall Key Holder by Ole Berg, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Unusual wall mounted key holder in stoneware. Naiv yet skillfully decorated with hedgehogs, keys and a little man in diffrent glazes. Designed and mad...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Scandinavian Modern sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern sculptures 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 sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern sculptures 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 sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Knud Kyhn, Royal Copenhagen, Kay Bojesen, and Arne Tjomsland. 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 sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $135 and tops out at $25,000 while the average work can sell for $1,941.

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