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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 

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: 19th Century
Stig Lindberg Vase - Oxblood Red - Gustavsberg Studio - Mid century Modern
Located in Stockholm, SE
A oxblood colored porcelain vase with a lovely glossy glaze designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsberg. The vase is 18,5 cm high and 7.5 cm in diameter. It is in excellent condition ex...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

White Surrealistic Vase, "Surrea" by Wilhelm Kåge, Gustavsberg, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely vase of model Surrea designed by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg in the 1940s. It is 23 cm high and in very good condition except from some minor scratches in the glaze. It is n...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Ceramic Bowl - Isaac Grünewald - Rörstrand 1943 - Hand Painted
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely bowl designed by Isaac Grünewald for Rörstrand in 1943. The bowl is 23 x 19.5 cm (9.2" x 7.8") in diameter and about 5.5 cm (2.2") high. The bowl is in excellent condition a...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Faience

Four Planters by Wilhelm Kåge, 1950s Gustavsberg, Scandinavian Design
Located in Stockholm, SE
Four planters with two dishes of model Planta designed by Wilhelm Kåge ay Gustavsberg. The larger once are 13 x 13 cm and 11 cm high (5.2" x 5.2" x 4.4")...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Faience Bowl Leafs - Stig Lindberg - Gustavsberg Studio - Mid 20th Century
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large squared stoneware bowl with a lovely blue color. It is designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsbergs Studio and signed with the classic studio-hand by Stig Lindberg. It is 18,5 x...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Faience

Faience Dish - Stig Lindberg - Gustavsberg Studio - Mid 20th Century
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large dish in faience designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsberg Studio, it´s 30 x 19,5 cm (12" x 7.8"). It´s in excellent condition except from a minor un-glazed spot from the produ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Faience

Stig Lindberg Blue Ceramic Vase - Gustavsberg Studio - Mid 20th Century
Located in Stockholm, SE
A blue stoneware vase with a lovely har fur glaze designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsberg. The vase is 11 cm high and 11 cm in diameter. It is in excellent condition and marked as o...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Small Faience Bowl Leafs - Stig Lindberg - Gustavsberg Studio - Mid 20th Century
Located in Stockholm, SE
A small leaf shaped bowl in faience designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsberg Studio with a lovely decor of leafs, it´s 12.5 x 8.5 cm (5" x 3.4"). It´s in excellent condition. It is m...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Faience

Stig Lindberg Pottery - Unique Red Oxblood Vase - Gustavsberg Studio
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vase designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsbergs Studio in Stockholm. It has an oxblood red shiny color and is in excellent condition and marked with the classical Studio hand and St...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Faience Bowl Leafs - Stig Lindberg - Gustavsberg Studio - Mid 20th Century
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large bowl in faience designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsberg Studio with a lovely decor of leafs, it´s 27 x 18 cm (10,8" x 7.2"). It´s in excellent condition. It is marked with t...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Faience

Brown Stoneware Vase - Stig Lindberg - Gustavsberg Studio - Mid 20th Century
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely stoneware vase designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsberg. The vase is 14,5 cm high and 12,5 cm in diameter. It is in excellent condition and marked as on photos. This is a un...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Vintage Leaf Shaped Serving Dish Faience, Stig Lindberg, Gustavsbergs Studio
Located in Stockholm, SE
A serving dish in faience designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsbergs Studio in Stockholm, it is 19 x 16.5 cm (7.6" x 6.6") in diameter. It´s in excellent condition. This dish is paint...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Vintage Leaf Shaped Serving Dish Faience, Stig Lindberg, Gustavsbergs Studio
Located in Stockholm, SE
A serving dish in faience designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsbergs Studio in Stockholm, it is 31.5 x 10.5 cm (12.6" x 4.2") in diameter. It´s in excellent condition. This vase is pa...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Vintage Leaf Shaped Serving Dish Faience, Stig Lindberg, Gustavsbergs Studio
Located in Stockholm, SE
A serving dish in faience designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsbergs Studio in Stockholm, it is 31.5 x 10.5 cm (12.6" x 4.2") in diameter. It´s in excellent condition. In 1942, Gu...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Yellow Vase Faience, Stig Lindberg, Gustavsbergs Studio - Mid-20th Century
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vase in faience designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsbergs Studio in Stockholm, it is 13.5 cm (5.4") high and 10 cm (4"). It´s in mint condition. This vase is painted by the faience...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Faience

Stig Lindberg Blue Vase, Vitrin, Gustavsberg, Mid-20th Century Design
Located in Stockholm, SE
A blue vase with a lovely glaze and shape, probably of model Vitrin designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsberg. It is 17,5 cm high and 13.5 x 10.5 cm (5.4" x 4.2") in diameter. It is i...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Lovely Vase designed by Wilhelm Kåge - Model Farsta - Gustavsberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely, large vase of model Farsta designed by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg. It is 28,5 cm high and in excellent condition except from some minor scratching marks as the photos.
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Large Brown Vase Stoneware, Stig Lindberg, Gustavsbergs Studio, Vintage 1962
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large brown stoneware vase with a relief decor designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsberg. It is 21 cm high and in very good condition. This vase was designed in 1962.
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Large Blue Vase Stoneware, Stig Lindberg, Gustavsbergs Studio, Vintage, 1964
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large blue stoneware vase with a relief decor designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsberg. It is 39 cm high and in very good condition. This vase was designed in 1964.
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Large Brown Vase Stoneware, Stig Lindberg, Gustavsbergs Studio, Vintage, 1963
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large brown stoneware vase with a relief decor designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsberg. It is 22 cm high and in very good condition. This vase was designed in 1963.
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Black & White Serving Dish Domino, Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely serving dish of model Domino designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsberg. It is 20 x 20 cm and in excellent condition. It is marked below with the Gustavsberg stamp. The Do...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Squared Dish Faience, Stig Lindberg, Gustavsbergs Studio, Karneval Serie
Located in Stockholm, SE
A squared dish in faience designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsbergs Studio in Stockholm, it is 20 x 20 cm (8" x 8") in diameter. It´s in very good condition except from some minor sc...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Faience Vase by Wilhelm Kåge, 1940s Gustavsberg, Scandinavian Design
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely and rare vase in faience designed by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg in the 1940s. The vase is 22 cm high and in very good condition except from some minor craqueleur as the fai...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Leaf Shaped Serving Dish Faience, Stig Lindberg, Gustavsbergs Studio
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely serving dish in shape of a leaf in faience designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsberg Studio, it´s 21 x 17 cm. It´s close to mint condition. It´s marked with the Stig Lindberg...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Blue Serving Dish Faience, Stig Lindberg, Gustavsbergs Studio
Located in Stockholm, SE
A serving dish in faience designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsberg Studio, it´s 25,5 x 19 cm. It´s in very good condition. It´s marked with the Stig Lindberg characteristic Studio-hand.
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Black & White Vase Domino, Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely vase designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsberg. It is 23,5 cm high and 9 cm in diameter and have a lovely glaze. It is in very good condition except from a minor mark at the ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

White Bowl "Surrea" by Wilhelm Kåge, 1940s Surrealistic Scandinavian Ceramic
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely bowl of model Surrea designed by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg in the 1940s. It is 24 cm in diameter and in mint condition. This is one of the most well known and appreciated ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Faience and Bamboo Coffee Pot Stig Lindberg Gustavsberg 1960s Midcentury Vintage
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely pot in faience designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsberg in the 1960s. The decor is painted by Karin Gustavsson who were one of the painters at Gustavsbergs factory. The pot ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Faience

Valdemar Petersen for Bing & Grøndahl Scandinavian Ceramic Vases Set, 1960s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Mid-Century Modern design cscandinavian ceramic pottery vases set designed by Valdemar Petersen for Bing & Grøndahl, Denmark 1960 c.a. Measurement...
Category

1860s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

White Vase, Pungo Carrara by Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful vase of model Pungo Carrara designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsberg. It is 19,5 cm high and in very good condition.    
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Leaf Shaped Serving Dish Faience, Stig Lindberg, Gustavsbergs Studio
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely serving dish in shape of a leaf in faience designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsberg Studio, it´s 31,5 x 11 cm. It´s close to mint condition. It´s marked with the Stig Lindbe...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Large White Vase, "Surrea" by Wilhelm Kåge, Gustavsberg, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely, large vase of model Surrea designed by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg in the 1940s. It is 45.5 cm high and in very good condition except from some minor marks in the glaze and...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Large Red Vase in Stoneware, Stig Lindberg, Gustavsbergs Studio - Scandinavian
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely vase designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsberg. It is 19 cm high and 11 cm in diameter and have a lovely glaze. It is in mint condition.
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Black Vase in Stoneware, Stig Lindberg, Gustavsbergs Studio, Scandinavian Modern
Located in Stockholm, SE
A black vase designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsbergs Studio in the late 1950s. It is 11.5 cm high and in mint condition.
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Large Vase in Stoneware, Stig Lindberg, Gustavsbergs Studio
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large vase in a multicolored Brown/black/blue color designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsberg. It is 21 cm high and in very good condition.
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Vase in Stoneware, Stig Lindberg, Gustavsbergs Studio
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vase designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsbergs Studio in Stockholm, it is 11 cm (4,4") in diameter and 9,5 cm (3,8") high. It has a black/purple color and It has a smaller mark in ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Stoneware Platter, Stig Lindberg, Gustavsbergs Studio
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful platter designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsbergs Studio in Stockholm, it is 30.5 cm (12.2") in diameter. It has a black/brown color an...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Faience Bowl Leafs - Stig Lindberg - Gustavsberg Studio - Mid 20th Century
Located in Stockholm, SE
A round bowl in faience designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsberg Studio with a lovely decor of leafs, it´s 20,5 x 18,5 cm (8,2" x 7.4"). It´s in excellent condition except from a min...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Faience

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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