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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
Period: Late 20th Century
Brutalist Clear Glass Sculptures by Renate Stock-Paulsson, Sweden, Set of 2
Located in Rīga, LV
Set of 2 vintage brutalist clear glass sculptures from the Moai Series designed by Renate Stock-Paulsson in the 1990s (in production until the 2000s) for ...
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Unique Set of three Swedish Sculptures by Jan Johansson, Glass, Limestone, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sculpture, designed by Jan Johansson, Sweden, 1970s. Unique. Different colored glass blocks on limestone pedestals. Heights including the pedestals: 106 cm/ 41 3/4'' 82 cm/ 32 1/...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Limestone

Two Art Glass Bird Sculptures by Oiva Toikka made for Iittala.
Located in Stockholm, SE
Two Oiva Toikka Art Glass Bird Sculptures, made for Iittala. Oiva Toikka's birds have become iconic objects for glass collectors worldwide. Each figurine is mouth-blown and handcraf...
Category

1980s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Gunvor Olin-Grönqvist Scandinavian Modern Stoneware Sculpture Garlic Handmade
Located in EL Waalre, NL
Gunvor Olin-Grönqvist – A stoneware sculpture of a garlic bulb – Arabia Finland ca. 1980 Description An unglazed, incised and painted stoneware figurine of a garlic bulb. Modelled ...
Category

1980s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Bird sculpture by Tapio Wirkkala Glass & Metal for Kultakeskus 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely Bird sculpture by Tapio Wirkkala. It is made in metal with a base in glass, it is 15.5 cm high (6.2") and about 13.5 cm in diameter at the base. The metal part is stamped as...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Scandinavian modern stoneware pike by Sven Wejsfelt, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1980s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Great stoneware sculpture designed by Sven Wejsfelt for Gustavsberg, Sweden, during the 1980s. This pike belongs of the designers series 'Stim'.
Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Three Lions From The Afrika Series Designed By Lisa Larson For Gustavsberg
Located in Doraville, GA
Three lions in varying sizes designed by noted designer and ceramicist Lisa Larson. The lions are from the Afrika series, designed in 1964. The set consists of a mini, large and giga...
Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Oiva Toikka Glass Bird Sculpture for Iittala of Finland
Located in Turku, FI
Big Art Glass Bird Designed by Oiva Tikka for Iittala Finland. Dimensions: Length 26cm / 10.20in Height 18cm / 7in Width 13cm / 5.1in Signed "O.Toikka Nuutajärvi"
Category

Late 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

A Pair of Tapio Wirkkala, Bronze Bird Sculptures, Kultakeskus
Located in Helsinki, FI
A couple of nice Tapio Wirkkala bronze bird paper weights. Both items are in beautiful original condition with nice vintage patinas. Although origina...
Category

1970s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Abstract Modernist Wooden Sculpture, Sweden 1977
Located in Valby, 84
This striking wooden sculpture, crafted in Sweden in 1977, embodies the essence of abstract modernism. With its sleek lines and dynamic form, this piece captivates viewers with its t...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Beech

Sculpture by American born artist David Eisenhauer. Mixed media, Sweden 1985
Located in Hägersten, SE
Sculpture by American born artist David Eisenhauer. Mixed media, made in Sweden in 1985. Signed in pen to the bottom "Sculpture nr 109, David Eisenhauer, 1985." Very good vintage con...
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Composition

Limited Edition Art Glass Bird Sculpture by Oiva Toikka for Iittala of Finland
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous limited edition art glass bird sculpture by Oiva Toikka for Iittala of Finland, circa 1990s. This sculpture is mouth blown and is in great vintage condition with no chips or...
Category

Late 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Sculptural Carved Teak Scandinavian Modern Wood Puzzle Box Richard Rothbard
Located in Wayne, NJ
Sculptural Carved Teak Scandinavian Modern Wood Puzzle Box Richard Rothbard . Hidden 3 compartments with insert protectors for jewelry , small storage piec...
Category

1970s American Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Teak

Bertil Vallien fo Kosta Boda Sweden miniature sculpture Stair ”Entrance” 1993
Located in Delft, NL
Bertil Vallien fo Kosta Boda Sweden miniature sculpture Stair ”Entrance” 1993
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Lion miniature sculpture , 1990’s
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: 8cm W, 6.5cm H, 2.5cm D Condition: Mint Period: 1990’s Material: Glass Color: Orange
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Sweden miniature sculpture , 1990’s
Located in Delft, NL
Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Sweden miniature sculpture , 1990’s
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Sweden Egg miniature sculpture , 1990’s
Located in Delft, NL
Bertil Vallien fo Kosta Boda Sweden miniature sculpture Stair ”Entrance” 1993
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda miniature sculpture Bird , 1990’s
Located in Delft, NL
Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda miniature sculpture Bird , 1990’s
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Small Art Glass Bird Paperweight / Sculpture by Nuutajarvi of Finland
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous small art glass bird paperweight / sculpture by Nuutajarvi of Finland, circa 1980s. The sculpture is mouth blown and is in great vintage condition with no chips or cracks. T...
Category

Late 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Bertil Vallien for Kosta boda Sweden Miniature sculpture Fish , 1990’s
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: 9cm W, 4.5cm H, 2.5cm D Period: 1990’s Condition: Mint Material: Glass
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Ceramic Figure Designed By Bjørn Wiinblad With Design No. V18 From 1975s
Located in Lejre, DK
Ceramic vase designed by Bjørn Wiinblad, with design no. V18 from 1975, produced in Denmark. This vase represents Wiinblad's distinctive style, which often included imaginative and c...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Lisa Larson for Gustavsberg. Rare "Johanna" figurine in glazed ceramics.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Lisa Larson for Gustavsberg. Rare "Johanna" figurine in glazed ceramics. Late 20th century. Marked. In perfect condition. Dimensions: 15.5 cm x 10.0 cm.
Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Charcoal black "Pässi" ram sculpture in pinewood by Kaija Aarikka, Finland
Located in STRASBOURG, FR
"Pässi" sculpture by Kaija Aarikka in charcoal-painted wood, an emblematic piece of Finnish design created in 1973, vintage Aarikka edition. "In 1954, Aarikka co-founded together wi...
Category

Late 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Pine

Swedish glass artist. Four Dala horses in clear mouth-blown art glass.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Swedish glass artist. Four Dala horses in clear mouth-blown art glass. Approximately from 1970. Perfect condition. The largest measures: H 16.0 cm x L 14.5 cm. The smallest measures:...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Swedish glass artist. Four Dala horses in clear mouth-blown art glass. 1970s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Swedish glass artist, four Dala horses in clear mouth-blown art glass. Approximately from 1970. Perfect condition. The largest measures: H 16.0 cm x L 14.5 cm. The smallest measures:...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Unique Wooden Floor Toteme Sculpture in a Wabi Sabi and Brutalist Style
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and great decorative wooden toteme sculpture in a wabi sabi and primitive style with a black stained foot. In good condition. Goes well with mid century modern furniture...
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Driftwood

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Brains Head orange glass
Located in Delft, NL
Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Brains Head orange glass
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Carlos Pebaque glass sculpture presse papier , 1990's Sweden
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: 13cm H , 12cm Diameter Condition: Mint
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Boat Atelier Collection limited edition
Located in Delft, NL
Signed: On top Kosta Boda Bertil Vallien On the Bottom: Atelier 949009 / 1000 Dimensions: 17,5cm W, 4cmH, 5,5cmD With stand : 7,5cm H, 6,5cm D, 10 cm...
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Set of Monica Backstrom for Kosta Boda Mushrooms, 1970’s
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: From left to right 1st photo: White : 11cm diameter , 6cm Height Blue : 10,5cm Height 7,5cm Diameter Brown: 16cm Heigth , 12cm Diameter White: 13cm Height, 10,5cm Diamete...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Sweden - Headman Blue
Located in Delft, NL
Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda - Headman Blue
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Sweden mini sculpture , 1990’s
Located in Delft, NL
Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Sweden mini sculpture , 1990’s
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Monica Backström unique glass sculpture, Kosta Boda, Sweden
Located in Delft, NL
Monica Backström unique glass sculpture, Kosta Boda, Sweden
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda glass presse papier Artist Collection
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: 5cm H, 8cm Diameter Condition: Mint Origin: Sweden Manufacturer: Kosta Boda Designer: Bertil vallien Material : Glass
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Glas ‘Together’ Sculpture Limited edition
Located in Delft, NL
Clear glass with enclosed polychrome decoration of face, heart and two copper figures. Signed KOSTA BODA Glue. Ed 250, produced in a maximum of 250 copies. Dimensions: 21 cm H, 14cm...
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Sweden mini sculpture my heart , 1990’s
Located in Delft, NL
Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Sweden mini sculpture , 1990’s
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda Large bird sculpture , 1970’s
Located in Delft, NL
Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda Large bird sculpture , 1970’s Dimensions: 48cm H 23cm W , 20cm D Condition: Mint Designer : Kjell Engman Producer: Kosta Boda Origin: Sweden Material: Glass
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda sweden glass presse papier
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: 9cmW, 7cmD, 4,5cmH Condition: Mint Origin: Sweden Manufacturer: Kosta Boda Designer: Bertil vallien Material : Glass
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda glass boat sculpture Limited edition Voyage
Located in Delft, NL
Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda glass boat sculpture Limited edition Voyage
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda Sweden High Heel Shoe on Pillow figurine
Located in Delft, NL
Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda Sweden High Heel Shoe on Pillow figurine
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Carlos Pebaque glass sculpture presse papier , 1980's
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: 14,5cm H, 8cm Diameter
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Rare Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda Sweden Green Glass teacup , 1980’s
Located in Delft, NL
Rare Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda Sweden Blue Orange Glass teacup , 1980’s
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Rare Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda bowl , 1980’s
Located in Delft, NL
Rare Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda bowl , 1980’s
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Rare Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda set of glassware teacup vase and sugar pot
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: Vase: 22,5cm H, 11cm W, 5cm D Teacup: 15cm W, 14cm D ,13 cm H Sugar pot: 15 cm H, 13cm W, 5 cm D All are in mint condition. Collectable items ...
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Bjørn Wiinblad: "Maggie May". Unique, colossal, three-piece unique flower stand
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Bjørn Wiinblad: "Maggie May". Unique, colossal, three-piece unique flower stand made of earthenware, modelled in the shape of a woman. Museum quality, impressive high quality flower ...
Category

1980s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Lisa Larson Ceramic Cat Figurine Gustavsberg, Sweden
Located in Delft, NL
Lisa Larson ceramic cat figurine Gustavsberg Sweden.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Polar Bear Sculpture by Oscar Hartung for Ego Stengods 1970
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Fantastic Polar Bear made of stoneware designed by Oscar Hartung for Ego Stengods in the 70s.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Björn Selder Patinated Bronze Sculpture, Sweden 1970s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Characteristic for Swedish artist, Björn Selder, are powerful, expressive sculptures, such as this piece, in heavy materials like bronze, iron, and stone. This unique piece shows tha...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Björn Selder Modernist Patinated Bronze Sculpture, Sweden 1970s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Characteristic for Swedish artist, Björn Selder, are powerful, expressive sculptures, such as this piece, in heavy materials like bronze, iron, and stone. This unique abstract wall s...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Kaija Helena Aarikka Crane Bird Wood Sculpture
Located in Springfield, OR
Kaija
Category

1970s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Tapio Wirkkala, Bronze Bird Sculpture, Kultakeskus
Located in Helsinki, FI
A special piece of history, this very early and raw prototype of the well known Tapio Wirkkala bronze bird paperweights, is a holy grail for any Wirkk...
Category

1970s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

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

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Miniature Sculpture Horse ”Dobbin”
Located in Delft, NL
Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda miniature sculpture Horse ”Dobbin”.
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Scandinavian Blue Glazed Owl Ceramic Relief by Svend Åage Jensen for Søholm
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage wall plaque abstract mid century ceramic wall hanging stoneware Blue glazed Owls relief designed by Sven Aage Jensen and manufactured by S...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Bertil Vallien sculpture for Boda Smide
Located in Göteborg, SE
Bertil Vallien and Horst Graf, sculpture, wrought iron in the form of a horse with a cart for Boda Forge. Bertil Vallien is a Swedish glass artist born in 1938 in Sollentuna. He is ...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Göran Wärf for Kosta Boda, Sweden. Set of five art glass figures, "The Family"
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Göran Wärf for Kosta Boda, Sweden. Set of five art glass figures with engraved and hand-painted decoration. "The Family". Uncle Bill, Father, Mother, Grandfather, and Aunt Rosie. 197...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Art Glass Eider Sea Duck / Bird Sculpture by Oiva Toikka / Nuutajarvi of Finland
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous art glass Eider sea duck / bird sculpture by Oiva Toikka / Nuutajarvi of Finland, with original box, circa late 1980s. The sculpture is mouth blown and is in great vintage c...
Category

Late 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

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 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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