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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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Period: 1930s
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A beige and 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 beige and 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-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced in 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 cream-white and green-glazed fluted vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Nittsjö, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue-glazed ceramic vase designed and produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Christer Heijl, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed earthenware vase designed by Christer Heijl and produced by Töreboda Keramik, Sweden, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Arthur Percy, Bowl, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
By Arthur Percy
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed ceramic bowl designed by Arthur Percy and produced by Gefle, Sweden, c. 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Edward Hald, Vase, Glass, Sweden, 1930s
By Edward Hald
Located in High Point, NC
A smoked and fluted blown glass vase designed by Edward Hald and produced by Orrefors, Sweden, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Glass
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A black and beige-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 beige and 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 beige and 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-glazed fluted 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 orange-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 orange and beige glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1930s
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
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 Vases
Materials
Ceramic
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 a few light scratches.
Stamped 'BRONS' and makers mark.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Bronze
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A beige and black-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 fluted vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Anna-Lisa Thomson, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige and brown-glazed earthenware vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Jerk Werkmäster, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed ceramic vase designed by Jerk Werkmäster and produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, c. 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A beige and red-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Anna-Lisa Thomson, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige and brown-glazed incised earthenware vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson 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 off-white-glazed 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, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Art Deco "Argenta" Vase by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg, Sweden
Located in Stockholm, SE
Scandinavian Modern Wilhelm Kåge "Argenta" Vase in stoneware and inlays in silver for Gustavsberg, Sweden. This beautiful piece is part of the Wilhelm Kages (Kåge) Argenta series, pr...
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Silver
GAB, Vase, Bronze, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A bronze vase designed and produced by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Bronze
GAB, Vase, Pewter, Sweden, 1934
Located in High Point, NC
A pewter vase designed and produced by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1934.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Pewter
Green Flowerball glass vase by Harald Notini for Pukeberg, Sweden 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely matt green unglazed Swedish cryopas glass vase named Flowerball. Desined in 1934 by Harald Notini for Pukeberg, sold in Böhlmarks shops in the 1930’s.
Stunning ballshaped vi...
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Art Glass
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.
Excellent condition.
Stamped 'BRONS' and makers mark.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Bronze
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 a few light scratches.
Stamped 'BRONS' and makers mark.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Bronze
Motala Keramik, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue-glazed ceramic vase designed and produced by Motala Keramik, Sweden, 1930s
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Syco Keramik, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
By Syco Keramik
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed ceramic vase designed and produced by Syco Keramik, Sweden, c. 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A 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 blue and grey-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Nittsjö, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed earthenware vase 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
A green-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Jerk Werkmäster, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed earthenware vase designed by Jerk Werkmäster and produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Danish Designer, Floor Vase, Earthenware, Denmark, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed earthenware floor vase designed and produced in Denmark, 1930s.
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A white-glazed incised earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Scandinavian Modern Vase by Greta Runeborg for Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in Örebro, SE
Beautiful earthenware vase designed by Greta Runeborg and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Good vintage condition, wear and patina consistent with age and use.
A couple blemi...
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Anna-Lisa Thomson, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
An cream white-glazed earthenware vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Ewald Dahlskog, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige-glazed earthenware vase designed by Ewald Dahlskog and produced by Bo Fajans, 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 off-white-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 beige and orange-glazed incised earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
GAB, Vase, Bronze, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A bronze vase designed and produced by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Bronze
Erik Mornils, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green and brown-glazed earthenware vase designed by Erik Mornils and produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, c. 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Anna-Lisa Thomson, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue-glazed earthenware vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Ewald Dahlskog, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed incised earthenware vase designed by Ewald Dahlskog and produced by Bo Fajans, 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-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 yellow-glazed earthenware vase with Handpainted details by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Ewald Dahlskog, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
An incised blue and green-glazed earthenware vase, designed by Ewald Dahlskog and produced by Bo Fajans, Sweden, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Nittsjö, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed earthenware vase by Nittsjö, 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 teal green-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
Anna-Lisa Thomson, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue and white-glazed earthenware vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
ABML, Vase, Pewter, Sweden, 1936
Located in High Point, NC
A pewter vase designed and produced by ABML, Sweden, 1936.
With date 1936 engraved.
“ABML SV. TENN HANDARB K8” on bottom
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Pewter
Anna-Lisa Thomson, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A white and blue-glazed earthenware vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Old reference #: 397
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Earthenware
GAB, Vase, Bronze, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A bronze vase designed and produced by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Bronze
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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