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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 

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: 1950s
Rustic vintage Ceramic Vase by Hank Keramikk, Norway 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A special mid-century vase made by Hank Keramikk Verksted in Oslo, Norway established by Ahlberg & Karlsen keramikkverksted in the 1950s. A vintage ceram...
Category

1950s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand / Rørstrand, Large Stoneware Vase, 1950s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand / Rørstrand. Large stoneware vase, 1950s. Measures: 28.5 x 12 cm. In perfect condition. Beautiful glaze in purple and blue green shades. 2. Factory qu...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Timo Sarpaneva Glass Vases 'Orchid' by Iittala in Finland
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Glass vases model Orchid designed by Timo Sarpaneva. Produced by Iittala in Finland.
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

1950s Scandinavian Cinched Waist Teak Vase by Matador Traekunst
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A turned teak vase with a cinched waist.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Teak

1950s Swedish Apple Glass Vase by Ingeborg Lundin for Orrefors
Located in Sagaponack, NY
The "Apple" hand blown glass vase by Ingeborg Lundin. Signed on bottom, manufactured by Orrefors in Sweden, circa 1950s.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Carl Harry Stalhane Stoneware Vase for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
A lovely vase with a wonderful form and glaze.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Pierre Forsell Vase in Brass Produced by Skultuna in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare brass vase designed by Pierre Forsell. Produced by Skultuna in Sweden.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Brass

Tapio Wirkkala Glass Vase Model Kantarelli, Produced by Iittala in Finland
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare Kantarelli glass vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala. Produced by Iittala in Finland.
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

"Pylon" Vase by Ingrid Atterberg for Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1955-1956
Located in Hägersten, SE
Rare "Pylon" vase, no 2207 designed by Ingrid Atterberg. Produced by hand at Upsala Ekeby in Sweden between 1955-1956. Made from earthenware with shifting white and grey glaze. Excel...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Bengt Orup Johansfors, Art Glass Vase, Designed in the 1950s-1960s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Bengt Orup, Johansfors. Art glass vase. Designed in the 1950s-1960s. Measures: Height 25 cm., diameter 7 cm. In perfect condition. Signed.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Pierre Forsell Vase in Brass by Skultuna in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare brass vase designed by Pierre Forsell. Produced by Skultuna in Sweden.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Brass

Large Saxbo Vase by Eva Staehr Nielsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Saxbo vase by Eva Staehr Nielsen
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Yellow Vase from the Reptile Series by Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg, Sweden
Located in Goteborg, SE
Yellow vase from the Reptile series by Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg, Sweden.  
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Timo Sarpaneva Glass Vase Model Pullo Produced by Iittala in Finland
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Glass bottle or vase model Pullo or Bird vase designed by Timo Sarpaneva. Produced by Iittala in Finland.
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

Mari Simmulson for Upsala-Ekeby Ceramic Vase, 1950s-1960s.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mari Simmulson for Upsala-Ekeby ceramic vase. In perfect condition. 1950s-1960s. Measures 25 x 11 cm. Stamped.          
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Vase Designed by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Vase designed by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden. 1950s. Stoneware. Dimensions: Height: 16 cm/ 6 1/3" Diameter: 13/ 5 1/8" Stig Lindberg was one of the most influential Swe...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Midcentury Stoneware 'Pungo' Vase by Stig Lindberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
“Pungo” vase by Stig Lindberg, made in smooth Carrara glazed stoneware. This is a very rare piece in the “Pungo” series, which was produced between 1953 and 1964. Beautiful, clean li...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Royal Copenhagen Jais Nielsen ceramic vase, sung glaze. Biblical motives
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Royal Copenhagen Jais Nielsen ceramic vase, sung glaze. Biblical motives. Stamped with the 3 blue waves for Royal Copenhagen. Measures: 24 x 10 cm. In perfe...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Set of Three Vases by Per Lutken for Holmegaard
Located in Long Island City, NY
A set of three drop vases by Per Lutken for Holmegaard, Denmark, circa 1950s. Dimensions: H. 24 (9.5") and 16 cm. (6.5") Signed by hand PL 15470 and 15491.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Vase, Tulip Designed by Nils Landberg for Orrefors, Sweden, 1957
Located in Stockholm, SE
Vase, tulip designed by Nils Landberg for Orrefors, Sweden, 1957. Glass. Measurements H: 44.5 cm/ 1' 6".
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala, Clear Art Glass Vase with Engraved Decoration
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Tapio Wirkkala for Iittala. Clear art glass vase with engraved decoration in form of stripes. Signed Tapio Wirkkala Iittala. 1955. Finland. Finnish design. Measures : 11 cm. x 5 cm. ...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg
Located in Long Island City, NY
A glazed stoneware vase by Berndt Friberg. Signed. Measures: H 6.75" D 4.5".
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

1950s Kaj Franck Soap Bubble Glass Orb Nuutajarvi Notsjo Finland
Located in Hyattsville, MD
A beautiful sculptural and fluid piece. The "Soap Bubble" vase in olive glass. Extensive signature, K. Franck, Nuutajarvi Notsjo Measures: 7 inch high.
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Tall Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund
Located in San Francisco, CA
A long necked Gunnar Nylund ceramic vase with mottled blue and grey glaze. Incised with maker's mark and designer's initials "R, GN, Sweden, Y."
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Friberg Studio Hand Ceramic Vase, Unique, Fantastic Glaze in Deep Blue Shades
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Friberg studio hand ceramic vase, unique. Fantastic glaze in deep blue shades. Marked, 1956 Perfect. 1st. assortment. Measures: 20 cm. x 7 cm.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Vase Designed by Arno Malinowski for Royal Copenhagen, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Vase designed by Arno Malinowski for Royal Copenhagen, Denmark, 1950s Stoneware. Dimensions: H: 15 cm/ 6'' D: 19 cm/ 7 1/2'' Si...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Knabstrup Ceramic Moon Frog Bud Vase Vintage Mid-Century Modern Studio Pottery
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Rare and monumental 1950s Danish modern cobalt and brown Knabstrup Studio sculptural flower vase, limited run, 800 piece series. Excellent vintage condition, original paper label...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Pottery

Otto Brauer Glass Vase by Kastrup Holmegaard in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Large glass vase designed by Otto Brauer. Produced by Kastrup Holmegaard in Denmark.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

Large Berndt Friberg Studio Pottery Vase, Modern Swedish Design
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Large Berndt Friberg Studio pottery vase. Modern Swedish design. Unique, handmade. Fine glaze in shades of brown! Perfect. 1st. factory quality. Stamped a = 1959 Size: ...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Large Stig Lindberg Vase for Gustavsberg
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Unusually large and decorated Stig Lindberg vase with an optical pattern in a different colorway on either side of the vase. Signed to underside.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Carl Harry Stalhane Vase for Rörstrand
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Rare Carl Harry Stalhane glazed stoneware vase for Rörstrand. Free shipping within the United States and Canada.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Stoneware Vase by Eva Staehr Nielsen for Saxbo, Denmark, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Stoneware vase with pale brown glaze and impressed diagonal lines to body. Impressed "108", "Saxbo Denmark" Incised "E. St. N".
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Nils Landberg "Tulip" Vase For Orrefors
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Delicate vase from the "Tulip" series designed by Nils Landberg and manufactured by Orrefors of Sweden. Signed.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

Scandinavian Mid-Century Stoneware Vase by Arne Bang, Denmark, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful and subtle bud vase by Arne Bang, the vase is adorned with small applied flowers and with a wonderful rusty orange glaze that crawls with hints of green.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Lovely stoneware vase by Berndt Friberg, in a slender onion form with a long neck. Greyish blue glaze with yellow nuances. Berndt Friberg was a Swedish ceramicist, renowned for his ...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Small stoneware vase by Berndt Friberg, in a slender onion form with a long neck and flattened rim. Velvety midnight blue hare’s fur glaze. Berndt Friberg was a Swedish ceramicist, ...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Two Line Cut Crystal Art vases Handblown
Located in EL Waalre, NL
Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Two Line Cut Crystal Art vases Handblown A compete set of moldblown crystal Art Object / Vase with vertical cut lines, model 3523. Designed in 194...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Crystal

Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Three Line Cut Crystal Art vases Kantarelli
Located in EL Waalre, NL
Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Two Line Cut Crystal Art vases Handblown "Kantarelli" A complete set of all sizes – turned mold-blown crystal – Artobject “Kantarelli” or “Chanta...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Crystal

Carl Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand, Sweden. Vase in hare's fur glaze
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Carl Harry Stålhane (1920-1990) for Rörstrand, Sweden. Vase in hare's fur glaze. Dark and sandy hues. 1950s. In perfect condition. First factory quality. Dimensions: H 29.0 cm x D 1...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Three Line Cut Crystal Art vases Handblown
Located in EL Waalre, NL
Scandinavian Modern Tapio Wirkkala Two Line Cut Crystal Art vases Handblown A complete set of all sizes – turned mold-blown crystal – Artobject “Varsanjalka” or “Foals Foot” with ...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Crystal

Miniature Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Minature stoneware vase by Berndt Friberg, in a clean cylinder form, with white hare’s fur glaze. White vases by Friberg are particularly rare and sought after. Berndt Friberg was a...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Lovely stoneware vase by Berndt Friberg, with a slender neck and plump onion shaped base. Sky blue with transition to white hare’s fur glaze. Berndt Friberg was a Swedish ceramicist...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Tapio Wirkkala, Vase, Blown Glass, Finland, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A blown glass vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala and produced by Iittala, Finland, 1950s.
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Lovely tiny stoneware vase by Berndt Friberg, in a compact form with celadon green hare’s fur glaze. Berndt Friberg was a Swedish ceramicist, renowned for his stoneware vases and ve...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stoneware vase by Berndt Friberg in a smooth form with some angularity. Vibrant dark blue hare’s fur glaze blending into dark brown. Berndt Friberg was a Swedish ceramicist, renowne...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

"Karneval" Faience vase by Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Faience “Karneval” vase by Stig Lindberg, in a strict block shape. Graphic, colorful decor of a human figure with a fish on their head, fish on the othe...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Faience

Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Lovely tiny stoneware vase by Berndt Friberg, in a compact form with rich brown hare’s fur glaze. Berndt Friberg was a Swedish ceramicist, renowned for his stoneware vases and vesse...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stoneware vase by Berndt Friberg in an elegant form with a slightly angular silhouette. Dark blue hare’s fur glaze with brownish tones. Berndt Friberg was a Swedish ceramicist, reno...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Carl-Harry Stalhane / SOC VASE / Rorstrand / 1950s
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
The work of Carl-Harry Stalhane, who supported the golden age of Rorstrand with Gunnar Nylund and was active as a designer and art director. Stoneware in the form of simple lines, pr...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Carl-Harry Stalhane / SOD VASE / Rorstrand / 1950s
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
The work of Carl-Harry Stalhane, who supported the golden age of Rorstrand with Gunnar Nylund and was active as a designer and art director. Stoneware in the form of simple lines, pr...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Farsta Stoneware Vase by Wilhelm Kåge
Located in San Francisco, CA
A glazed stoneware vase, incised signature and studio mark to underside: [Farsta Kage Studio]
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

1950s Swedish Farsta Vase by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg Studio
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A tall ‘Farsta’ high fired stoneware vase hand crafted by Wilhelm Kage from the limited production G Studio unit of Gustavsberg Pottery of which Kage was its art director. Kage produ...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Striking floor vase by Gunnar Nylund, with distinct lines and black hare’s fur glaze with yellow streaks.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Axel Salto Vase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Axel Salto Vase Produced By Royal Copenhagen
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Axel Salto Vase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Axel Salto Vase Produced by Royal Copenhagen. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Collection Of Saxbo Vases
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Collection of Saxbo vases. The vases are being sold separetely. Please email or call for prices.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Pottery

Collection Of Rorstrand Vases
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Collection of Rorstrand vases. The vases are being sold separately. Please email or call for prices.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Pottery

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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