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Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

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
1960s Teak Wood Serving Bowl Danish Modern Style Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Danish Modern Teak Wood Bowl Style Dansk of Denmark Unmarked 4 h x 10 d Preowned vintage condition Refer to images.
Category

1960s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Teak

Black Ceramic Vase - Carl-Harry Stålhane - Rörstrand - Mid 20th Century
Located in Stockholm, SE
A black vase designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand. The vase is 10.5 cm (4.2") high and in excellent condition. The vase is marked as 2nd quality. Carl-Harry Stålhane is one...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Scandinavian Mid-Century Candelabra in Brass by Arthur Pe, Kolbäck, Sweden
Located in Vorst, BE
A Mid-Century Candelabra for 4 candles in solid brass (weight 3 lbs / 1.37 kg). Created and made by Arthur Petterson, he signed his candleholders “Arthur Pe Kolbäck...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Pierre Forssell, 3 Brass Star Candleholders for Skultuna, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pierre Forssell - 3 Brass Star Candleholders for Skultuna, Sweden, 1960s Maker's mark and signature on bottom. Pierre Forsell (1925 - 2004) grew up in central Stockholm. He was...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Large Bronze Art Deco Vase by Sune Backstrom, Sweden, 1920s
Located in Malmö, SE
A large and beautiful bronze vase with amazing patina. Designed by Sune Bäckström in Malmoe, Sweden, 1920s. Great condition. Stamped 'BRONS', model number '9017' and signature 'Su...
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Group of 7 Brown Ceramic Vases, Rörstrand - Gunnar Nylund & Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in Stockholm, SE
A group of seven vases and bowls by Carl-Harry Stålhane, two bowls at Rörstrand and one vase by Gunnar Nylund in the 1950s and 1960s. The vases are between 6.5 - 25.5 cm high and in ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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 Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Bertil Vallien Unique and Monumental Wall Sculpture in Glass and Wood, 1966
Located in Skanninge, SE
A very important early work by Bertil Vallien b. 1938. Unique and monumental wall sculpture, hand painted and contour sawn wood. Made in Sweden 1966. One of a kind! The sculpture is depicting fishes in the water. It was commissioned by an optician in 1966. That is why the eyes are made of oval glass mirrors. They are also hiding the holes where you screw the sculpture to the wall. The sculpture would be great in a fish restaurant or in an indoor pool area. It will certainly make a statement wherever it will hang! A photograph depicting the artist in front of the sculpture is included (see image)! Fully signed and dated 1966 (see image). The sculpture is in 3 parts. The upper part is in one piece. The lower part is in 2 pieces. There are no problems hanging this on the wall. It is heavy but not that heavy. Measurements: The upper part, Lenght 226cm, height 68cm, 7cm deep. The lower part, Lenght 245cm, height 75cm, 7cm deep. As mounted as in the pictures: length 304cm, height 120cm. Total length if one put these pieces after one another, circa 475cm. You can put this sculpture on the wall with different combinations and variations. In 2017 Flint Institute of Arts in Michigan bought the "One million Dollar Boat". They paid one million dollars for the mixed media sculpture "Passage" made by Bertil Vallien. BERTIL VALLIEN EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES 1963 - ongoing Freelance designer for Kosta Boda glassworks, Sweden 1963 - ongoing Independent artist/designer 1961-63 Studies in USA and Mexico 1961 University of Art and Design, Stockholm, Sweden PUBLIC COLLECTIONS (SELECTION) Victoria and Albert Museum, London, England Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY, USA HM de Young Museum, San Francisco, USA Yokohama Art Museum. San Francisco, USA Imagine Museum, FL, USA The State Hermitage museum, St. Petersburg, Russia Düsseldorf Museum of Fine Arts, Düsseldorf, Germany Museum of Arts and Design, NY, USA The Art Institute, Chicago, USA National Museum, Stockholm, Sweden VIDA Museum, Sweden, permanent wing Everson Museum, NY, USA Museum of Fine Art, Boston, USA National Museum of Art, Tokyo, Japan Microsoft Art Collection, Seattle, Wa, USA JB Speed Art Museum, Louisville, USA The Prescott Collection at Pacific First Centre, Seattle, USA Detroit Art Institute, Detroit Il, USA Yokohama Art Museum, Yokohama, Japan The Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, Australia Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe, Hamburg, Germany Mint Museum of Art and Design, Charlotte, NC, USA Dayton Art Institute, Dayton, Ohio, USA Museo del Vidrio, Monterrey, Mexico Musée des Art and Design, The Louvre, Paris, France The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Montreal, Canada Rockford Museum of Art, Rockford, IL, USA Microsoft Art Collection, Seattle, USA National Museum, Edinburgh, UK Flint Institute of Art, Flint, MI, USA AWARDS (SELECTED) Prince Eugen´s medal for outstanding achievement in art, conferred by the King of Sweden (1998) Gold medal, Royal Academy of Science, Stockholm, Sweden (2005) GAS Visionary Award (2020) Honorary doctorate, Växjö University, Sweden (2002) Artist of the future Award, Imagine Museum, FL, USA (2020) Visionaries Award, Museum of Arts and Design, NY, USA (2001) Medal for exhibition “Nine Rooms” at the 13th Biennale in Venice given by Instituto Veneto di Scienze ed Arti (2012) Young American award, Museum of Arts and Design, NY, USA (1961) Award in recognition of the promotion of Glass Art in the world, Museo del Vidrio Monterey, Mexico (2004) The Libensky Award, Seattle, WA, USA (2008) The Wilson Award, GAS, New Orleans, USA (2005) Urban Glass Award for >>Outstanding Achievement in Glass<< NY, USA (1998) Zweiter Coburger Glaspreis, Coburg, Germany (1985) BIBLIOGRAPHY (SELECTION) 2020 Ytspänning, Galleri Glas, Stockholm, Sweden 2020 Drawings, Ceramics, Glass, Staffan Bengtsson, Kosta förlag, Sweden 2012 Bertil Vallien, Nine Rooms, Publisher Marsilio, Italy 2008 Staven, Gunnar Lindqvist, Kamras/ Kamras förlag 2007 Transperent Bounaries, Ulla-Britt Edberg, Carlsson Bokförlag, Stockholm 2006 Vallien, Gunnar Lindquist, Carlsson Bokförlag, Stockholm 2002 Somna Vakna, Matthew Kangas, University of Washington Press, London 2002 Fiat Lux, Johan Unger Gunnar Lindquist, Carlsson Bokförlag 1998 Glass eats light, Gunnar Lindquist, Carlsson Bokförlag 1997 Headbook, Niclas Rådström, Publisher, Kamras/Kamras 1995 Anod, Peter Nilsson, Nordstedts förlag, Sweden 1990 Bertil Vallien, Gunnar Lindqvist, Carlson Bokförlag 1983 Sandcast, Ulf Thomas Moberg, Moberg Publisher EXHIBITIONS (SELECTION) 2020 Ytspänning, Galleri Glas, Stockholm, Sweden 2020 Vida Museum, Öland, Sweden 2019 Habatat gallery, Detroit, USA 2019 Schantz Gallery, Stockbridge-MA, USA 2018 Leger Gallery, Malmö, Sweden 2017 Gallery Schantz, Stockbridge, MA, USA 2017 Art Miami, Schantz gallery, Miami FL, USA 2017 Spritmuseet, Stockholm, Sweden 2016 Hawk Gallery, Columbus. OH, USA. 2016 Galleri Thomassen, Göteborg, Sweden 2016 Millesgården, Stockholm, Glasstress, Sweden 2016 Edsvik Konsthall, Edsvik, Sweden 2016 SOFA, Navy pier Chicago IL- USA 2015 Galleri Berengo, Muranoi, Italien 2014 Palazzo Guinigi, Lucca, Italien 2013 Gallerie Azur, Spa, Belgien 2011 Marina Barovier Galleria, Venedig, Italien 2011 Hawk Galleries, Columbus, OH, USA 2009 Imago Gallery, Palm Springs. CA. USA 2008 Etienne gallery.Oisterwijk, The Netherlands 2007 Heller Gallery, NYC, USA 2007 Rockford Art Museum, Rockford, Il, USA 2006 Prince Eugen´s Waldermarsudde, Stockholm, Sweden 2005 Landkrona Konsthall, Landskrona, Sweden 2005 Röhsska Museet, Gothenburg, Sweden 2004 Museo del Vidrio, Monterrey, Mexico 2003 Rockford Art Museum, IL, USA 2003 Glass Museum, International Centre for Contemporary Art, Tacoma, USA 2002 Cellier de Clairvaux, Dijon, France 2002 >>In Transit<< Gävle Museum 2002 Eremitaget, St. Petersburg, Ryssland 2002 The state Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia 2002 Konstindustrimuseet, Oslo, Norway 2001 Riihiimäki Museum, Finland 2000 Traver gallery, Seattle, WA, USA 1999 Museum of Contemporary Art, Warsaw, Poland 1999 Eretz Israel Museum, Tel Aviv, Israel 1998 Traver Gallery, Seattle, WA, USA 1998 The Bullseye Gallery Portland, OR, USA 1998 Museum of History, Stockholm, Sweden 1997 Museum of Arts, Indianapolis, USA 1997 Museum of Arts and Design, NY, USA 1969 Palazzo Ducale, Venice, Italy PERFORMANCE 2012,18,19, 20 Rainshower, Kosta glassworks, Sweden 2007 Diamonds and Ashes, Music: Tomidas, Midnight session at Åfors glass...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Wood

Unique Vase by Anna-Lisa Thomson. Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Malmö, SE
A unique and beautiful vase with amazing green glaze. Designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s. Excellent condition. Impressed 'EKEBY'. Anna-Lisa Thomson (190...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware

Pair of Candleholders N°70 in Brass by Pierre Forsell for Skultuna Sweden 1960s
Located in Vorst, BE
Pair of candle-holders model N°70 for 1 candle by Pierre Forssell, made of solid brass. Designed by Pierre Forssell and manufactured in Sweden by Skultuna. The company was founded ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Scandinavian Modern Vase in Bronze, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Heavy cylindrical Scandinavian vase in solid bronze. Horizontal ribbings/tiers towards its base and two center stripes - incised/engine-turned. Unknown Scandinavian maker/designer in...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Fåglavik, Sweden. Two art glass vases. Modernist design with a geometric relief.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Fåglavik, Sweden. Two art glass vases. Modernist design with a geometric, bubble relief. Approximately from the 1970s. Perfect condition. Dimensions: W 11.0 cm x D 7.0 cm x H 14.0 cm.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Brown Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s, Mid Century Vintage
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely brown vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it´s 14 cm high and it has a lovely brown har fur glaze, it´s in mint condition and marked as 1:st quality.  Gunnar Nyl...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Haunsø Danish Modern Decorative Plate With Deer, 1950s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Scandinavian modern decorative ceramic dish made by Haunsø Ceramics in the 1950s. Shiny cream white and bright green glazed plate with incised symmetrical lines and depiction of a de...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Christer Heijl, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed ceramic vase designed by Christer Heijl and produced by Töreboda Keramik, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Blue Ceramic Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
Located in Stockholm, SE
A blue vase with a lovely glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it´s 24,5 cm (9.8) high. It´s in excellent condition except from some minor marks in the glaze and marked as 1...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Group of 4 Blue Vases & bowl Ceramics, Rörstrand - Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in Stockholm, SE
A group of four vases and a bowl with stunning glazes designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand in the 1950s. The vases are between 16.5 - 28 cm high and in excellent condition. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Midcentury Kosta, Sweden Stripped Modern Glass Vase by Vicke Lindstrand, 1956
Located in Miami, FL
Striped Mid-Century Modern engraved mouth blown clear glass vase by Vicke Lindstrand, 1904-1983 Sweden, for Kosta in 1956. In a cylindrical shape with augmented middle and a slanted...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Scandinavian Modern Ceramic Bowls by Carl-Harry Stålhane Design Huset, Sweden
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
These three pieces of ceramics was made in Sweden 1980s for Design Huset and designed by one of the great ceramic’s designers from Sweden, Carl-Harry Stålhane. Wonderful, crafted bowls with that grace of Swedish midcentury pottery...
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Arne Bang, Vase, Grey and Green Glazed Stoneware, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A grey and green glazed stoneware vase designed and produced by Arne Bang, Denmark, 1940s.
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Edvin Ollers, Vase, Pewter, Sweden, 1952
Located in High Point, NC
A fluted pewter vase designed by Edvin Ollers and produced by Shreuder & Olson,, Sweden, 1952. “GJUTET TENN” stamp on bottom
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Pewter

Midcentury Cream White Ceramic Vase, 1960s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Cream white midcentury modern vase manufactured in Denmark in the 1960s. Stamped under base. Beautiful vintage condition. Denmark, 1960s.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery, Clay

Bronze Art Deco Vase by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful bronze vase with amazing patina. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition, with only a few light scratches. It has an inscription. Stamped 'B...
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Royal Copenhagen Crackle Glazed Vase. Thorkild Olsen, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Malmö, SE
Elegant Royal Copenhagen crackle glazed vase with gilded banding on the base. Designed by THORKILD OLSEN (1890-1973) for ROYAL COPENHAGEN. Made in Denmark, 1950s. Great condition. T...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Ture Berglund, Vase, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A blown glass vase designed by Ture Berglund and produced by Skansens Glasbruk, Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Chrome

Glass Vase with Spiral Pattern by Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta, Sweden
Located in Goteborg, SE
When Vicke Lindstrand came back to the glass in 1950s after a decade as artistic leader at the ceramic factory Upsala-Ekeby, he exploded in a creative burst of new shapes and pattern...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Group of 5 Miniature Vases, Bertil Lundgren, Rörstrand, Midcentury Vintage
Located in Stockholm, SE
A group of five vases with shiny glaze in different colors designed by Bertil Lundgren at Rörstrand. They are between 3.5 - 7 cm (1.4"-2.8") high. They are all in excellent condition...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Stellaria Ice Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala 1960s Littala Finland #3450
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Textured glass bowl from the "Stellaria" series by Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala Finland. Model #3450. Classic "ice" design. Excellent condition. Etched signed "Tapio Wirkkala #3450" on...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Scandinavian Modern Dansk International Pair of Lead Crystal Glass Candle Holder
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Dansk Designs round Lead Crystal glass candle holders. Marked underneath Dansk International Designs LTD IH...
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

GAB, Small Vase, Bronze, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A small bronze vase, designed and produced by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Wilhelm Kåge, ceramic vase "Våga" Gustavsberg, Swedish / Scandinavian Modern
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ceramic vase, top with beautiful wavey shape model "Våga" by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg, Sweden 1950s. Mark: Gustavsberg, Sweden. In good condition, smaller signs of wear and a...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

White Ceramic Vase by Anna-Lisa Thomson. Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful vase with amazing relief pattern. Designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s. Excellent condition. Impressed 'EKEBY'. Anna-Lisa Thomson (1905-1952) ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware

Large and Unique Stoneware Rooster by Tyra Lundgren. Sweden, 1955.
Located in Malmö, SE
A stunning and unique stoneware rooster sculpture with amazing glaze. Made by Tyra Lundgren. Executed in her own studio in Sweden, 1955. Great condition, but with a couple of chips to the base (pictured). Signed by the artist in two places, and dated 1955-06-20. Provenance: bought from the estate of the artist in 1979. Tyra Lundgren (1897-1979) was one of the most multifaceted artists and modernists of the twentieth century. She was a painter, drawer, sculptor, ceramist, glass- and textile designer, as well as an author and an art critic. She was the first woman who designed glass for Paolo Venini at Murano in Venice and she also served as the artistic leader at Arabia in Helsinki at a time when men tended to hold those kinds of positions. Tyra Lundgren grew up in Djursholm, near Stockholm. Her parents were John Petter Lundgren, professor at Veterinärinstitutet (institute of veterinary sciences) in Stockholm, and Edith Lundgren née Åberg, who was a housewife and raised their six children. The bourgeois home also comprised a nanny and a female cook. The family were very socially active, travelled often, and enjoyed the outdoor lifestyle. Tyra Lundgren’s schooling began at Djursholm coeducational school, where her teachers included Natanael and Elsa Beskow and Alice Tegnér. Her school friends included Greta Knutson-Tzara, Stellan Mörner, and Ingrid Rydbeck-Zuhr. Tyra Lundgren knew from the time she was five years old that she wanted to be an artist. She first became aware of the profession through Axel Fahlcrantz, who rented a studio on the plot of land where she lived with her family. In 1913 she began to attend Högre konstindustriella skolan (HKS, now known as Konstfack, college of arts, crafts and design) where she studied decorative art as well as handicrafts in various forms until 1917. One of her fellow students and friends there was Estrid Ericson, who later founded Svenskt Tenn AB in 1924. Whilst attending HKS Tyra Lundgren also took painting lessons at the Althin school of painting. In 1917 she was accepted as a candidate at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts where, apart from breaks during which she undertook studies abroad, she remained until 1922. She spent a couple of months taking lessons from Anton Hanak in Vienna and from 1920–1923 she was a student of André Lhote in Paris. Tyra Lundgren was primarily active in four countries: Sweden, Finland, France, and Italy. She spent much of her professional life travelling and considered herself to be a European. Greece and Mexico also formed important centres in her artistic life, as did the USA. She had an extensive social network which included focal individuals within twentieth century-European and American artistic and cultural circles. Tyra Lundgren’s main artistic motifs were birds, fish, and people which she depicted through different techniques and materials. Her artistic expression involved a variety of different directions and styles. She was a pioneer of the 1920s Swedish Grace style, the name of which had been coined by the art critic Morton Shand at the Stockholm Exhibition of 1930. This was a Swedish Art Deco style, characterised by elegance and traditional art which contrasted with the current artistic ideals of functionalism. Tyra Lundgren made her debut at a group exhibition held at Kungliga Akademien för de fria konsterna in 1921. She went on to show her work at various exhibitions throughout the 1920s. After that period she only very rarely exhibited her paintings. Tyra Lundgren’s painted output can be divided into different periods or stylistic directions. The first of these, and the most extensive, was her post-Cubist period which began in 1920 on her arrival in Paris. Her paintings from this time and right up to the mid-1930s typically comprise portraits, self-portraits, live-model painting, still-lifes, interiors, and landscapes in the Cubist style. Many of the great number of self-portraits she painted were produced in the New Objective style, displaying broad variation in terms of clothes, poses and techniques. Two of these – Huvud med vit duk and Självporträtt both from 1921 – can be seen at Moderna Museet in Stockholm, although the majority of these works are at Gotlands Museum. Tyra Lundgren’s second artistic period comprises the years of 1927 to 1929 and is characterised by the New Objective style inspired by medieval techniques and materials (Giotto, Piero della Francesca). Her motifs were still-lifes and landscapes. At this point she was living in Rome and was close to the circle involved in the Valori plastici: rivista d’arte art journal. This period saw a breakthrough in her development as a painter. From the 1950s through the 1970s her work can almost be described as belonging to the Concrete style. Using light pastel colours her paintings sought light in a sometimes non-figurative expression, but often depicting abstract bird-shapes or other nature-inspired imagery. Her paintings from this period are outsized and display powerful colours, in yellows, reds, and blues. Tyra Lundgren maintained a constant production of drawings, both in terms of individual artworks and sketches for patterns and designs. She also produced the illustrations for her book Fagert i Fide. Årstiderna på en gammal gotlandsgård, published in 1961. During her early years she also produced advertising illustrations. She spent the final years of her life primarily working with lithographs which were printed at Galleri Prisma and depicted images of doves, swallows, magpies and crows. Tyra Lundgren is meanwhile best known for her work as a ceramist and in this sphere she was one of Sweden’s leading exponents. She worked in the porcelain industry as a designer and as an artisan and ceramic sculptor. Her first job was at St Eriks Lervarufabrik in Uppsala from 1922–1924, she then worked at Arabia from 1924–1937, and at Rörstrand and Lidköping Porslinsfabrik. She was the artistic leader at Arabia ahead of the 1930 Stockholm Exhibition and she exhibited her work at the World’s Fairs. During the 1934–1938 period she was connected to the Manufacture nationale de Sèvres porcelain factory in Paris. Tyra Lundgren was a pioneer when it came to giving ceramic art a public space in Sweden. She produced around 20 outsized reliefs in stoneware, so-called monumental reliefs. One of these is Märkeskvinnor, from 1947, for the former girls’ school at Bohusgatan in Stockholm. From the 1940s onwards Tyra Lundgren produced sculptural objects in Chamotte clay and stoneware, with various glazings. Her small birds are well-known and popular with many. When her ceramic efforts became too much for her during the 1970s she then produced models for sculptures in bronze. There are six of these in various places around the globe, including Solfågel in Almedalen, Visby. Tyra Lundgren began to work as a glassware designer at Moser in Karlsbad in 1922 where she designed new table services and modernised older ones. She also worked freelance for Riihimäki factory in Finland during the 1924–1929 period. From 1934 to 1938 she was employed by Kosta glass factory where she mainly designed thick-walled bowls and vases, engraved with classical motifs. She was introduced to the glassmaker Paolo Venini at Murano during the Triennale di Milano of 1936 and they began a collaboration that lasted into the 1950s. As part of this collaboration Tyra Lundgren became the first woman to design glassware and, in conjunction with the glassblower Arturo Biasutto, she developed new techniques of glass production. Her motifs at this point were birds, fish, snail-shaped designs and leaf-patterned bowls using traditional techniques as well as in new designs. It was during this time that she created the so-called tissue-shaped bowls and it remains unclear as to who specifically came up with the design but Tyra Lundgren claimed it was of her making. Tyra Lundgren was active as textile designer for Licium (now HV Licium), the sacred textiles...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Lisa Larson for Gustavsberg Poodle Dog Scandinavian Modern 1963
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Poodle is made of white stoneware with shiny light blue glaze and dark blue hand painted decoration. It was designed by Lisa Larson (1931-2024) as part of the "Poodles" (Pudlar) ser...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery, Majolica, Ceramic

Green Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg for Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1958
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing green hare’s fur glaze. Made by master thrower Berndt Friberg, in the artist's studio at Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1958. Great condition. Incised...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Nittsjö, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow-glazed ceramic vase designed and produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Candlestick by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, 1920/1930s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Candlestick by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy from the 1920/1930s. Tin. Marked on the bottom. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use.
Category

Early 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Tin

Unique Figurative Bowl - Carl-Harry Stålhane - Rörstrand 1943 - Scandinavian
Located in Stockholm, SE
A unique hand painted bowl designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand in 1943, it is 37,5 cm (15") in diameter and about 5 cm (2") high. The bowl is in excellent condition except f...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Arne Bang, Vase, Stoneware, Denmark, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed stoneware vase, designed and produced by Arne Bang, Denmark, c. 1930s.
Category

1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Bofa Keramik, Pitcher, Black Glazed Stoneware, Rattan, Bornholm, Denmark, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A black glazed stoneware and rattan pitcher designed and produced by Bofa Keramik, Bornholm, Denmark, 1960.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware, Rattan

Nittsjö, Vase, Yellow-Glazed Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow, glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, 1940s.   
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

Kaj Franck Red & White Enamel Bowl for Arabia, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Fruit, salad or centerpiece bowl in enameled steel. Red exterior and white interior. Beautiful strict esthetic lines and a 'light' appearance. Designed by Kaj Franck and manufactured...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel, Steel

Blue Glazed Vase By Annikki Hovisaari
Located in New York, NY
Earthenware vase with shades of blue glaze by Annikki Hovisaari Incised with artist's initials AH and dated 1935 Light scratches but overall fine condition.  
Category

1930s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

Swedish Red Devil Triangular Glass Vase by Christer Sjögren for Lindshammar
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Mold blown scandinavian modern red devil triangular glass vase by Christer Sjögren for Lindshammar 1960s. He developed the special tec...
Category

1960s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Candle Chandelier by Elis Bergh for C. G. Hallberg, Sweden, 1920s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful Art Deco candle chandelier by Elis Bergh. Silver plated with large crystal prisms suspended at the top and at the base. Slim, decorative lines.
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Silver Plate

Swedish Designer, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A light-grey and brown-glazed ceramic vase designed and produced in Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Large Vase by Gertrud Lönegren, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Malmö, SE
Beautiful and rare stoneware vase designed by Gertrud Lönegren. This studio piece was created at Rorstrand in Sweden between 1936-41. Excellent condition. Impressed 'Rörstrand / ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

1950s Scandinavian Teak Arctic Polar Bear Figure Sculpture Cabin Modern Danish
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful uncommon 1950s design from Denmark of an arctic polar bear. Ink stamped, with remnants of paper label. Unknown artist.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Teak

HUGE Palshus Stoneware Floorvase C 24 with Moss Green Glaze Denmark Mid-Century
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
HUGE Palshus stoneware floorvase of chamotte clay model no. C 24. It's embossed with a grooved pattern in vertical broad bands and decorated with half glossy moss green glaze showin...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

MCM Glass Hurricane Lamp in Box by Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
MCM glass hurricane lamp in original box by Dansk, circa 1970s. The lamp is in excellent condition with chips or cracks and measures 6"D x 10"H. ...
Category

20th Century Japanese Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Big Primitive Swedish Wood Bowl 1832
Located in Farsta, SE
Really big primitive wooden bowl from Sweden, made in 1832 . It’s heavy patinated over the years and it has a lovely patina, maker marks on the ...
Category

1830s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

Lisa Larson for Gustavsberg, Sweden. Lion in glazed ceramic. Late 20th C.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Lisa Larson for Gustavsberg, Sweden. Lion in glazed ceramic. Late 20th century. In excellent condition. Signed. Dimensions: L 4.0 cm x H 4.5 cm.
Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Danish Vase and Dish White Ceramic Set, 1970s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Set of handmade Danish midcentury modern circular vase and vide-poche dish. Rustic look with beautiful glaze in light gray, white, sand and beige colors. Both items signed by the art...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Pottery, Stoneware

Scandinavian Modern Pair of Ceramic Vases/Bottles Carl-Harry Stålhane Sweden
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
These pieces of ceramic bottles were made in Sweden 1980s for Design Huset and designed by one of the great ceramic’s designers from Sweden, Carl-Harry Stålhane. There is a stunning nice colored 1980s look and still that grace of Swedish midcentury pottery...
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Scandinavian Modern decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern decorative objects 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 objects 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 ceramic, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern decorative objects 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 objects, popular names associated with this style include Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, Gustavsberg, and Upsala Ekeby. 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 objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $48 and tops out at $149,456 while the average work can sell for $883.

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