Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
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
- Scandinavian design and Nordic design originated primarily in Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Norway
- Introduced in the United States in mid-20th century
- Informed by the Bauhaus; 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
Carving Knife by Tapio Wirkkala for Hackman, 1960s
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A carving knife in brushed steel having a stained oak handle attached to the blade by wooden pegs. A silver tag on the handle documents the materials came from the Swedish ship...
Category
1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Steel
Ceramic Seashell Bowl by Ewald Dahlskog for Bo Fajans, 1939
Located in Göteborg, SE
The shell bowl designed by Ewald Dahlskog for Bo Fajans is a beautiful ceramic creation that captures the beauty and delight of nature. Crafted with great care and skill, this unique shell bowl exudes elegance and charm in every detail.
The bowl is shaped like a seashell, with details and proportions that recreate the organic and compliant shape of a real seashell...
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Ceramic
Collect Tray, Sc 64, Black Lacquered Oak by Space Copenhagen for &Tradition
Located in Dubai, AE
Carved from solid oak , this gently curved tray boasts a fluid shape while displaying the material's natural veining throughout the wood's surface.
It sits within Collect, a curated...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Oak
Slatted Rosewood Tray by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A beautifully constructed Brazilian rosewood serving tray, comprised of ten radius backed slats with fingered tenons mortised through the oval formed sid...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Rosewood
Ceramic Vase by Danish Artist Ole Victor, 2024
By Ole Victor
Located in Odense, DK
Large ceramic vase with glaze in variations of white, beige and bronze colors, made by Danish artist Ole Victor, 2024.
Ole Victor is a Danish artist who attended Art Academy between...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Shell vase by Vicke Lindstrand for Upsala-Ekeby, 1940s
Located in Göteborg, SE
The shell vase is an impressive interior detail that can be used to create a focal point in the room. You can place it alone on a side table, shelf or windowsill, or use it as a beau...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Ceramic
Vase Designed by Bengt Edenfalk, Glass, Unique, Sweden, 1960
Located in Stockholm, SE
Vase designed by Bengt Edenfalk,
Sweden. 1960.
Glass.
Unique. Talatta technique.
Dimensions:
H: 17 cm/ 6 3/4''
D: 16 cm/ 6 1/4''
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Glass
Teak Serving Spoons by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of hand carved teak serving spoons with curved elongated handles.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Teak
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 Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Ceramic
Vase, Tulip, Designed by Nils Landberg for Orrefors, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Vase, Tulip. Designed by Nils Landberg for Orrefors,
Sweden. 1950's.
Glass.
Dimensions:
H: 47 cm / 1' 7''
D: 11 cm / 4 1/4''
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Glass
Dish Designed by Pia Törnell “Pro Arte” for Rörstrand, Signed, Sweden, 1996
Located in Stockholm, SE
Dish designed by Pia Törnell “Pro Arte” for Rörstrand,
Sweden, 1996.
Porcelain.
Signed.
Dimensions:
W: 29.5 cm / 11 3/5"
D: 27.7 cm / 10 7/8"
H: 5 cm ...
Category
1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
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 Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Pitcher by Henning Koppel for Torben Ørskov & Co., 1960s
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An expressive, uncommon and sculptural pitcher finely executed in vibrant yellow plastic.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Plastic
Tall Ceramic Floor Urn by Eva Bengtsson, Sweden, 1990s, Taupe, Vessel, Stoneware
By Eva Bengtsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Floor urn by Eva Bengtsson, Sweden, 1990s.
Stoneware.
Category
1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Ceramic
Vase designed by Per B. Sundberg for Orrefors, Sweden, 2004
Located in Stockholm, SE
Vase designed by Per B. Sundberg for Orrefors,
Sweden. 2004.
Glass.
Dimensions:
H: 22 cm/ 8 2/3"
D: 20 cm/ 7 7/8"
Unique. Signed Orrefors 9450-87 Per B Sundberg.
Per B. Sundberg grew up in Huddinge, south of Stockholm, where he early showed interest in creative expression, including in textile. Sundberg applied and was accepted to the pottery division at Capellagården in Vickleby 1983-85. In the years 1985-1992 he studied glass and ceramics at Konstfack in Stockholm, with a break in 1988 to study at the Pilchuck Glass School in Seattle.
Per B Sundberg altered the course of Swedish design in the 1990s with the advent of new techniques and the creation of experimental ceramics...
Category
Early 2000s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Glass
Tapio Wirkkala Bronze Bowl TW491
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A very nice and rather large solid bronze bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus Oy, ca. 1974
Sculpted and hand turned with applied bronze feet.
Stamped to bottom .
Category
1970s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Bronze
Ashtray in the Manner of Kaj Franck Probably Produced in Finland
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Ashtray in the manner of Kaj Franck. Probably produced in Finland.
Category
Mid-20th Century European Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Brass
Gunnar Nylund Large Ceramic Floor Vase Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare and large ceramic floor vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Ceramic
Lillemor Mannerheim stoneware vases Mangania by Upsala Ekeby in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Set of 3 stoneware vases Mangania designed by Lillemor Mannerheim. Produced by Upsala Ekeby in Sweden.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Stoneware
Modernist Design Sterling Silver Water Jug - London 1979 J. J. McGreal
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1979 by John James McGreal, this elegant, Sterling Silver Water Jug, is a fine example of modernist design, featuring a gilt interior, and removable ice strai...
Category
1970s English Vintage Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Sterling Silver
Large Mid-Century Ceramic Vase by Berndt Friberg for Gustavsberg
Located in Göteborg, SE
Stoneware vase from Gustavsberg by Berndt Friberg green Harpel glaze with brown shades. Signed Friberg and Studiohanden.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Argenta urn by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg, 1940s
By Wilhelm Kage
Located in Göteborg, SE
"Argenta" is an iconic ceramic series created by the Swedish designer Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg during the 1940s. This series is known for its unique and innovative design, where ...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Silver
Danish Modern, Ceramic, Stoneware Vase by Danish Artist Ole Victor, 2022
Located in Odense, DK
Ceramic vase with glaze in variations of beige colors, made by Danish artist Ole Victor, 2022.
Ole Victor is a Danish artist who attended Art Academy between 1975 and 1980. He creat...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Ceramic
Danish Modern, Ceramic, Stoneware Vase by Danish Artist Ole Victor, 2022
Located in Odense, DK
Ceramic vase with glaze in variations of white and yellow colors, made by Danish artist Ole Victor, 2022.
Ole Victor is a Danish artist who attended Art Academy between 1975 and 198...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Ceramic
Carl-Henry Stalhane, Long-necked Mustard-colored Glazed Vase, Sweden, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully glazed mid-century vase executed by Carl-Henry Stalhane for the venerable Swedish based ceramics firm Rorstrand. Signed.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Ceramic
Carl-Henry Stalhane, Long-necked Honey-colored Glazed Vase, Sweden, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully glazed mid-century vase executed by Carl-Henry Stalhane for the venerable Swedish based ceramics firm Rorstrand. Signed.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Ceramic
DADA, Natural Oak Wood Platter, Serving Presentation Set
Located in İzmir, İzmir
Dada has been designed for service and presentation and is made of solid oak wood. The arrangement of the grooves on their surface prevents the juices of food from dripping. They are...
Category
2010s Turkish Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Wood, Oak
Rocky Ceramic Pillar Vase
Located in Helsinki, FI
Pillar-vase takes inspiration from the ancient human-made rock formations. It references the ancient architecture and the human touch in carved stones. The sculptural vase displays f...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
$407 / item
Wenge Cheese Board for Skjøde Skjern
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A beautifully crafted Scandinavian Modern round cheese board in rich striated wenge wood with a raised end-grain teak cutting surface and cracker moat. Made by Skjøde Skjernin Denmar...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Teak, Wenge
Coffee Mill from Denmark
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant and sculptural coffee mill crafted of solid teak and lacquered brass.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Teak
Bowl Designed by Inger Persson for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Bowl designed by Inger Persson for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s. Stoneware.
H: 25 cm/ 9 7/8""
D: 33 cm/ 13"
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Ceramic
Shell vase by Vicke Lindstrand for Upsala-Ekeby, 1940s
Located in Göteborg, SE
The shell vase is an impressive interior detail that can be used to create a focal point in the room. You can place it alone on a side table, shelf or windowsill, or use it as a beau...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Ceramic
Shell vase by Vicke Lindstrand for Upsala-Ekeby, 1940s
Located in Göteborg, SE
The shell vase is an impressive interior detail that can be used to create a focal point in the room. You can place it alone on a side table, shelf or windowsill, or use it as a beau...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Ceramic
Early Jens Quistgaard Dansk Staved Teak Serving Platter, 802
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Garnerville, NY
A nice early example Staved Teak Dansk platter. Solid and finely grained teak construction. Faint burn in mark on the bottom, 802, Staved Teak, Dansk, Denmark, IHQ. Quality and excep...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Teak
Early Dansk Jens Quistgaard Staved Teak Platter, 801
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Garnerville, NY
A nice early example Staved Teak Dansk platter. Solid and finely grained teak construction. Burn in mark on the bottom, 801, Staved Teak, Dansk, Denmark, IHQ. Quality and exceptional...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Teak
Nils Thorsson for Royal Copenhagen. Miniature vase of stoneware. Eggshell glaze
Located in København, Copenhagen
Pre-owned goods are exempt from import duties for U.S. customers.
Therefore, no import tariffs will be applicable to your purchase.
Nils Thorsson for Royal Copenhagen.
Unique minia...
Category
1920s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Stoneware
Farsta Stoneware Vase by Wilhelm Kåge
By Wilhelm Kage
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 Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Stoneware
Price Upon Request
Danish Studio Ceramic Vase, Style of Axel Salto
By Axel Salto
Located in NYC, NY
A small studio ceramic piece of bulbous organic form with richly layered glaze, in the style of Danish ceramic artist Axel Salto.
Unmarked, Scandinavian and mid-20th century.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Ceramic
Price Upon Request
Collection of Jais Nielsen Ceramics
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Collection of Jais Nielsen ceramics. Most were done for Royal Copenhagen. The ceramics are being sold separately.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Pottery
Price Upon Request
Scandinavian Modern serveware, ceramics, silver and glass for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern serveware, ceramics, silver and glass 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 serveware, ceramics, silver and glass created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects, lighting and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, stoneware and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern serveware, ceramics, silver and glass 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 serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, popular names associated with this style include Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane, and Jens Quistgaard. 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 serveware, ceramics, silver and glass differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $22 and tops out at $33,031 while the average work can sell for $500.
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