Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
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
Creator: Gustavsberg
Wilhelm Kåge Green & Brown Stoneware Dish, Bowl, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant dish, bowl by Wilhelm Kåge from the “KAPA” series. The design was a collaboration between Kåge and three colleagues Björn Alskog, Axel Pettersson, and Birger Arvidsson. Desig...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
Group of 4 Red & Black Ceramic Vases - Gustavsberg - Stig Lindberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A group of four vases designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsberg in the 1950s. The vases are between 9.5 - 20.5 cm high and in excellent condition. They are all marked as 1st quality. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Midcentury Ceramic Collection of "Pungo" Vases Stig Lindberg Gustavsberg, 1950s
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
The pungo vase made in Sweden 1950s by the master Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg. The pungo vase have the most beautiful form and with its matt white glaze this is a piece for many en...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Stig Lindberg Horse, Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1952-1972
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Probably made 1956-1957, painted in black and brown against white backdrop. Signed G, studio hand Stig L.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
'Carrara' Vase by Wilhelm Kåge, Gustavsberg 1930
Located in Farsta, SE
'Carrara' Vase by Wilhelm Kåge, Gustavsberg 1930
A beautiful swedish modern stoneware vase with 'Carrara' glaze in great condition.
Height: 20 cm/7.8 inch
Diameter: 13 cm/5.1 inch
...
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
'Endive' Vase by Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg 1956
Located in Farsta, SE
'Endive' Vase by Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg 1956
Heigth: 31 cm/12.2 inch
Diamter: 6 cm/2.3 inch
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Unique Ceramic Bowl Sven Wejsfelt Gustavsberg, Sweden
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This bowl was handmade and glazed in the G-studio factory at Gustavsberg by Sven Wejsfelt. At the K-studio designers was given the spirit to produce unique art for Gustavsberg.
The ...
Category
1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Rare midcentury ceramic 'Japanskan' by Lisa Larson, Gustavsberg, Sweden
By Gustavsberg
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Big stoneware figurine named 'Japanskan' by Lisa Larson, produced by Gustavsberg, Sweden, between 1958 and 1973.
Beautiful blue glaze.
Makers mark on bottom.
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
Unique stoneware bowl ‘Farsta’ series by Wilhelm Kåge, Scandinavian Modern
Located in Stockholm, SE
Striking unique stoneware bowl designed by Wilhelm Kåge from the ‘Farsta’ series for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1952. Vibrant blue hare’s fur glaze with an exposed base creates a dramatic ...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
Argenta Stonewear by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg 1930
Located in Farsta, SE
Scandinavian Modern Wilhelm Kåge 1930 "Argenta" Spherical Vase with striking geometric patternin stoneware and inlays in silver for Gustavsberg, Sweden.
“Argenta” was introduced at...
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
Stig Lindberg Unique Vase in black Glaze Tenmoku Made by Hand Sweden 1968
Located in Forest, BE
Black glazed vase by Swedish master ceramicist Stig Lindberg. From light brown on the edges to dark black. It is the Japanese tenmoku glaze also used by the ancient Chinese. Elegant ...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Stig Lindberg Unique Huge bowl vase in black Glaze Tenmoku handmade Sweden 1977
Located in Forest, BE
Black glazed vase by Swedish master ceramicist Stig Lindberg. From light brown on the edges to dark black. It is the Japanese tenmoku glaze also used by the ancient Chinese. Elegant ...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Stig Lindberg Unique Vase in black Glaze Tenmoku Made by Hand Sweden 1970
Located in Forest, BE
Black glazed vase by Swedish master ceramicist Stig Lindberg. From light brown on the edges to dark black. It is the Japanese tenmoku glaze also used by the ancient Chinese. Elegant ...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Stig Lindberg Unique Vase in black Glaze Tenmoku Made by Hand Sweden 1964
Located in Forest, BE
Black glazed vase by Swedish master ceramicist Stig Lindberg. From light brown on the edges to dark black. It is the Japanese tenmoku glaze also used by the ancient Chinese. Elegant ...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Stig Lindberg Unique huge bowl vase in black Glaze Tenmoku handmade Sweden 1977
Located in Forest, BE
Black glazed vase by Swedish master ceramicist Stig Lindberg. From light brown on the edges to dark black. It is the Japanese tenmoku glaze also used by the ancient Chinese. Elegant ...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Stig Lindberg Unique Vase in black Glaze Tenmoku Made by Hand Sweden 60s
Located in Forest, BE
Brown and black glazed vase by Swedish master ceramicist Stig Lindberg. From light brown on the edges to dark black. It is the Japanese tenmoku glaze also used by the ancient Chinese...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Stig Lindberg Unique Tray in black Glaze Tenmoku Made by Hand Sweden 1973
Located in Forest, BE
Black glazed vase by Swedish master ceramicist Stig Lindberg. From light brown on the edges to dark black. It is the Japanese tenmoku glaze also used by the ancient Chinese. Elegant ...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Stig Lindberg Unique Vase in black Glaze Tenmoku Made by Hand Sweden 1969
Located in Forest, BE
Black glazed vase by Swedish master ceramicist Stig Lindberg. From light brown on the edges to dark black. It is the Japanese tenmoku glaze also used by the ancient Chinese. Elegant ...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Stig Lindberg Unique Vase in black Glaze Tenmoku Made by Hand Sweden 1970
Located in Forest, BE
Black glazed vase by Swedish master ceramicist Stig Lindberg. From light brown on the edges to dark black. It is the Japanese tenmoku glaze also used by the ancient Chinese. Elegant ...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Stig Lindberg Unique Vase in black Glaze Tenmoku Made by Hand Sweden 1978
Located in Forest, BE
Black glazed vase by Swedish master ceramicist Stig Lindberg. From light brown on the edges to dark black. It is the Japanese tenmoku glaze also used by the ancient Chinese. Elegant ...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Stig Lindberg Set of 4 Unique Ceramics in Brown Glazed Made by Hand Sweden 60s
Located in Forest, BE
Set of 3 brown glazed plates by Swedish master Stig Lindberg in various size and shapes. From light brown to dark brown. Unique pieces made by hand and signed by the artist.
Stig ...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Stig Lindberg Set of 3 Unique Ceramics in Brown Glazed Made by Hand Sweden 60s
Located in Forest, BE
Set of 3 brown glazed plates by Swedish master Stig Lindberg in various size and shapes. From light brown to dark brown. Unique pieces made by hand and signed by the artist.
Stig ...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Vase 'Celadon' by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Malmö, SE
Beautiful vase made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg Studio in Sweden, 1940s.
Celadon glazed stoneware.
Excellent condition. Impressed 'Gustavsberg / CELADON / KÅGE / HANDDREJAD...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Group of 6 Stig Lindberg Studio Ceramic Cabinet Bowls and Vases
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful group of unique, one-of-a-kind handmade pottery objects by master ceramists Stig Lindberg, for Gustavsberg, Sweden.
The group includes two delicate bowls with haresfur glaze, one yellow and one brown, the yellow bowl with an interesting insert wood handle; two vases with textured surface, one cylindrical with blue glaze, the other footed, with a mottled brown glaze; together with a small pair of brown long-necked vases.
Each example signed 'Stig L', most with the Gustavsberg Studio hand cipher, one with paper label.
Yellow bowl is 1 7/8" high, 3 3/4" diameter.
Brown bowl is 2 1/8" high, 4 1/4" diameter
Tall blue vase is 4 7/8" high, 1 1/4" diameter.
Large brown vase...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
Stig Lindberg, Salix, Sugar Bowl & Creamer, Gustavsberg
Located in MAASTRICHT, LI
Product Description:
This sugar bowl and creamer belong to the popular series called Salix by Stig Lindberg and decorator Bibi Breger. The Salix serie dra...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg, Made at Gustavsberg in Sweden, 1950s
Located in Hägersten, SE
Stoneware vase designed by Berndt Friberg. Made at Gustavsberg in sweden during the 1950s. Stoneware with a bone colored hares fur glaze. Signed. Good vintage condition with small si...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
Stig Lindberg Set of 10 Unique Ceramics in Brown Glazed Made by Hand Sweden 60s
Located in Forest, BE
Set of 10 brown glazed by Swedish master Stig Lindberg in various size and shapes. From light brown to dark brown. It took a few years to complete this series.
Stig Lindberg (17 ...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Wilhelm Kåge, Gustavsberg, Stoneware "Argenta" Dish with Silver Decor, 1950s
Located in Bromma, Stockholms län
Large "Argenta" plate or dish designed by Wilhelm Kåge and made by Gustabsberg. The Argenta series was designed for the 1930's world fair and became one of Gustavsberg's most succesf...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Silver
Stig Lindberg, Salix, Trio Set, Gustavsberg
Located in MAASTRICHT, LI
Product Description:
This popular series called Salix, designed by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg, draws attention due to the delicate lines drawn on the pure white and transparent b...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
1940's Argenta Stoneware Plate by Wilhelm Kåge
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1940's Argenta stoneware plate with female siluett decor by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg. The now iconic Argenta stoneware collection with its green gl...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1975
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stoneware vase by Berndt Friberg in plump form with deep and lustrous oxblood glaze, contrasted with blueish-green speckles.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg with Brown Hare Furs Glaze, Gustavsberg, Sweden
Located in Hägersten, SE
Vase made from stoneware designed by Berndt Friberg. Hand made at Gustavsbergs studio in 1949. With brown hares fur glaze. Signed Friberg, Gustavsbergs Studio hand and with age mark ...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stoneware vase by Berndt Friberg, in a stately shape with a sharp finish to the body where it transitions to the nozzle. Rich blue hare’s fur glaze.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg with blue Hare Furs Glaze, Gustavsberg, Sweden
Located in Hägersten, SE
Stoneware vase designed by Berndt Friberg. Hand made at Gustavsbergs Studio, ca 1950s. Hand turned with glaze shifting in various blue, grey and brown tones. Very good condition with...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
"Leda and the Swan" Sculpture by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stunning stoneware sculpture by Stig Lindberg, narrating the mythological story of Queen Leda and the Swan. Beautiful attention to detail and expressiveness in Leda’s face, flowing h...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
Sven Wejsfelt, Unique Swedish Modern Stoneware Vase, Gustavsberg, 1989
By Gustavsberg
Located in Berlin, DE
Unique stoneware vase with blue or brown haresfur glaze by Swedish artist Sven Wejsfelt (1930-2009).
Gustavsberg Studio hand incised G Sven, unik, 1989.
Perfect condition.
S.W. wo...
Category
1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
Large Vase "Kreta" by Britt-Louise Sundell for Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden
Located in Goteborg, SE
Britt-Louise Sundell was attached to Gustavsberg for a period of three decades. She designed tableware and unique ceramic pieces. This majestic vase was made at Gustavsbergs Studio a...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Light Green Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stoneware vase by Berndt Friberg, in an interesting shape with an elongated, cylinder formed neck. Pale yellow hare’s fur glaze.
About Berndt Friberg:
Berndt Friberg was a Swe...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
Brown Hare's Fur Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1956
Located in Stockholm, SE
Tall stoneware vase by Berndt Friberg in an elegant, drawn out bulbous shape. Warm brown hare’s fur glaze blends into beige tones. Signed "Friberg,...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
Scandinavian Modern Set of 3 Vases Konvex by Karin Björquist Gustavsberg, Sweden
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Three wonderful vases, manufactured by Gustavsberg Sweden in the 1960s, designed by the very talented Karin Björquist. The vases have a beautiful form ...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Scandinavian Modern Asymmetric Hand Built Bowl by Artist Bengt, Berglund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Scandinavian Modern hand built bowl by artist Bengt, Berglund. The asymmetric form are typical for Bengt Berglunds design series with organic shapes produced at Gustavsberg Studio be...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
Midcentury Ceramic Bottle Stig Lindberg Gustavsberg, 1970s
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Wonderful unique bottle made in Sweden early 1970s by the master Stig Lindberg for K-studio Gustavsberg. The bottle is unusually large 27.5 cm and has a...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Adorable Mid-Century Ceramic Children by Lisa Larson
By Gustavsberg
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
In wonderful condition. This adorable ceramic set is designed by Lisa Larsen for Gustavsberg, Sweden.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
"Stampe" Jars by Bengt Berglund for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Hägersten, SE
Set of five "Stampe" jars designed by Bengt Berglund. Made at Gustavsberg in the late 1960s. Stoneware with blue/green glaze on the jars and contrasting mate glaze on the lids. Excel...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
Wilhelm Kåge Verkstad Dark Blue Hare Fur Glazed Stoneware Bowl, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Wilhelm Kåge dish/bowl from the “KAPA” series. The design was a
collaboration between Kåge and three colleagues Björn Alskog,
Axel Pettersson, and Birger Arvidsson. Designed and...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
Set of 3 pieces of Argenta serie, Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg, Sweden 1930's
Located in Farsta, SE
1930s Argenta collection made by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg.
The iconic argenta vase, with its green glaze surfuce, is one of Wilhelm Kåge's most recognizable designs. Designed in ...
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Scandinavian Modern ceramics for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern ceramics for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage ceramics created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, pottery and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern ceramics made in a specific country, there are Europe, Denmark, and Scandinavia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original ceramics, popular names associated with this style include Axel Salto, Helge Christoffersen, and Lorenz Hutschenreuther. 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 ceramics differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $475 and tops out at $4,500 while the average work can sell for $2,250.
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