Scandinavian Modern Vases
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
- Originated primarily in Denmark, Sweden and Finland
- Introduced in the United States in mid-20th century
- Informed by the Bauhaus and modernism; 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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Item Ships From: USA
Style: Scandinavian Modern
Erik Mornils, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed earthenware vase, designed by Erik Mornils and produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, c. 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
An incised green and off-white-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Arne Bang, Vase, Stoneware, Denmark, 1930s
By Arne Bang
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 Vases
Materials
Stoneware
Inger Persson, Glazed Stoneware Vase, Rörstrand, circa 1970, Signed: Ip Ateljé
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Inger Persson, b. 1936, Vase, Rörstrand, c. 1970m signed: IP ATELJÉ
Ceramic, Brown/Blue/Black/Grey Glazes
H: 7.75 Dia, 4 in,.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed stoneware vase, designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A green and brown-glazed earthenware vase, designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Kosta Boda Frosted Blue Glass Bronze Flower Detail by Monica Backström Pandora
Located in Miami, FL
Scandinavian Modern Kosta Boda blown frosted glass vase, Vessel by Monica Backström Wedding Pandora Series.
This blue frosted art glass vase...
Category
Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Blown Glass
Nittsjö, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A brown and black-glazed earthenware vase, designed and produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, c. 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Jerk Werkmäster, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
An incised yellow-glazed earthenware vase designed by Jerk Werkmäster and produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Upsala Ekeby, Small Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A small orange and beige-glazed earthenware vase, designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Vicke Lindstrand, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A cream white-glazed earthenware vase, designed by Vicke Lindstrand and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Category
1940s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A green and beige-glazed earthenware vase, designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A fluted green-glazed earthenware vase, designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A green and beige-glazed earthenware vase, designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Just Andersen, Small Vase, Bronze, Denmark 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A small bronze vase designed and produced by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1930s.
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Bronze
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A fluted green-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
An incised beige and orange-glazed earthenware vase, designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Danish Designer, Vase, Stoneware, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A green and brown-glazed incised stoneware vase, designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Stoneware
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A black and orange-glazed and incised earthenware vase, designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A grey-glazed fluted stoneware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden c. 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A green and orange-glazed earthenware vase, designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Stoneware
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A white-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed fluted vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A fluted grey-glazed earthenware vase, designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1950s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed incised vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1950s.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Erik Mornils, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A black and green-glazed earthenware vase, designed by Erik Mornils and produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, c. 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Erik Mornils, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed earthenware vase designed by Erik Mornils and produced by Nittsjö, Sweden c. 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Two Green Holmegaard "Drop Vase" Vases, Designed by Per Lütken
Located in Doraville, GA
Two beautiful vintage green hand blown glass "Drop Vase" or dråbevase vases. The vases were designed by Per Lütken (1916-1998) in 1955 and manufactured by Holmegaard Glass Company from 1955 to 1970, Lütken designed for Holmegaard from 1942 until his death in 1998. The color was called "majgrøn" or "may...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Blown Glass
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Eva Jancke-Björk, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed earthenware vase designed by Eva Jancke-Björk and produced by Bo Fajans, Sweden, 1940s
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic, Earthenware
Christer Heijl, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A green and beige-glazed earthenware vase, designed by Christer Heijl and produced by Töreboda Keramik, Sweden, 1940s.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A light blue and orange-glazed earthenware vase, designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Monumental and Rare Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Vessel with Sea Life Decor, 1950
Located in New York, NY
OLSEN THORKILD ( 1890-1973 ) and KNUD ANDERSON ( 1892-1966 ) FOR ROYAL COPENHAGEN
An extraordinary monumental lidded urn in Royal Copenhagen crackle war...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Porcelain
Rolf Palm Signed Swedish Mid-Century Modern Scandanavian Vase for Mölle Sweden
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful and darkly glazed vase by Swedish master ceramicist/designer Rolf Palm for Mölle, Sweden. This gem features a classic shape with a rich glaze that radiates and changes co...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Stoneware
Nittsjö, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue-glazed earthenware vase with relief-ornamentation, designed and produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Rörstrand, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1930s
By Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A green and grey-glazed stoneware vase, designed and produced by Rörstrand, c. 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Stoneware
Swedish Designer, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
An orange and beige-glazed earthenware vase, designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A beige and orange-glazed earthenware vase, designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Anna Lisa Thomson, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A green and orange-glazed earthenware vase, designed by Anna Lisa Thomson and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Nittsjö, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow-glazed earthenware vase with relief decor, designed and produced by Nittsjö, c. 1940s.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Ingrid Atterberg, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
An orange and white semi-glazed earthenware vase, designed by Ingrid Atterberg and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1950s.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A beige and black-glazed earthenware vase, designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Anna-Lisa Thomson, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A white-glazed earthenware vase designed by Anna Lisa Thomson and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A green, black and orange-glazed earthenware vase, designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A celadon green-glazed and fluted earthenware vase, designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden c. 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Erik Mornils, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A black and brown-glazed earthenware vase, designed by Erik Mornils and produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, c. 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic, Earthenware
Erik Mornils, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow semi-glazed earthenware vase, designed by Erik Mornils and produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, 1940s.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A green and orange-glazed earthenware vase, designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1930s.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Bo Fajans, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Bo Fajans
Located in High Point, NC
A brown yellow-glazed earthenware vase, designed and produced by Bo Fajans, Sweden, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A blue-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Hand Blown Smoked Glass Cylindrical Vase by Per Lutken for Holmegaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A very attractive hand blown smoked glass cylindrical vase by Per Lutken for Holmegaard, circa 1960s. The piece is in very good vintage condition w...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Glass
Jerk Werkmäster, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed earthenware vase, designed by Jerk Werkmäster and produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Eva Jancke-Björk, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue-glazed and incised earthenware vase, designed by Eva Jancke-Björk, and produced by Bo Fajans, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Anna-Lisa Thomson, Vase, Earthenware, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed earthenware vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thompson, and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic, Earthenware
Otto Brauer for Holmegaard Tall Cobalt Glass Vase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Otto Brauer for Holmegaard tall cobalt blue glass vase. Originally designed in 1959, were produced into the late 1970's. Vase is in very nic...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Glass
Large Bronze Vase by Just Andersen
Located in Long Island City, NY
Large bronze vase by Just Andersen, Denmark, circa 1930th.
Patinated bronze, marked with Just Andersen logo and model number B 2055.
Minor scratches.
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Bronze
Muurla Red Art Glass Ruffled Handkerchief Vase Scandinavian Modern Finland
By Muurla
Located in Miami, FL
Gorgeous Scandinavian Modern blown, and Hand painted Muurla Red Art Glass Ruffled Handkershief Vase made in Finland.
Makers Mark on Top of Vase. This Fazzoletto Style Vase brings j...
Category
Late 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Art Glass
Swedish Glass Vase with Controlled Bubbles
Located in New York, NY
A vintage blown glass vase, originating from Sweden, with rounded body and controlled bubbles. This piece remains in very good condition, consistent ...
Category
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Blown Glass
Scandinavian Modern vases for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern vases 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 vases created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, stoneware and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern vases 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 vases, popular names associated with this style include Rörstrand, Upsala Ekeby, Gunnar Nylund, 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 vases differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $49 and tops out at $20,792 while the average work can sell for $1,110.
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