Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
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.
to
3
39
2
22
19
1
437
389
235
185
155
74
55
47
42
33
25
19
14
14
13
12
12
4
6
16
20
4
8
1
2
2
1
21
20
19
18
18
39
20
18
11
3
42
24
42
17
2
1
1
1
Style: Scandinavian Modern
A pair of 1960s Teak Johannes Andersen Dining Chairs for Uldum Denmark
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Offering a pair of Johannes Andersen-designed curved dining chairs for Uldum Møbelfabrik Denmark, these Scandinavian Modern classics are carved from solid teak wood. Symbolizing Dani...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Textile, Upholstery, Oak, Teak
Lacquered Finish
Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 1500 mm
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure: 1500mm
This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in a...
Category
2010s Ukrainian Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Steel
Antique Swedish Textile
Located in Ferrara, IT
This delightful antique Swedish kilim dates to the early 20th century and measures 55 × 88 cm, a perfect small-format example of Scandinavian textile artistry. Handwoven in the flatw...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wool
$1,727
Rya Rug Olive Green Field Color, 1920-1950
Located in Ferrara, IT
This is a vintage Swedish "Rya" rug woven circa 1920-1950 and measures 198 X 138 CM. It features a mesmerizing contemporary mid-century design that looks simple but complex at the sa...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wool
$1,811 Sale Price
20% Off
Swedish Kilim Vintage By IS (Ingegerd Silow) 1916-2005
Located in Ferrara, IT
This is a Vintage Swedish kilim woven circa 1920-1950 and it measures 230 X 164 cm. The design of this kilim is attributed to Ingegerd Silow, one of the most influential designers in...
Category
Early 20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wool
Set of Ten Dining Chairs Designed by Aino Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1950s
By Aino Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Set of ten dining chairs designed by Aino Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1950s.
Birch and cane.
Very rare model.
Measurements:
H: 74 cm/ 29"
W: 58 cm/ 22 3/4"
D: 42 cm/ 16 1/2"
Prove...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Cane, Birch
Mid-Century Swedish Flat-Weave Kilim by Gitt Grannsjo Carlsson, ca. 1950
Located in Ferrara, IT
This is a semi-antique Swedish kilim woven circa 1950 and it measures 235 X 162 cm. It bares initial of GG (Gitt Grannsjo Carlsson) with a beautiful soft pastel color palette and geo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wool
Scandinavian Rollakan Rug Flat-Weave by Ingegerd Silow
Located in Ferrara, IT
This is a Scandinavian Rollakan Rug flat-woven by Ingegerd Silow woven circa 1950-1970 and it measures 239 X 166 cm. The design of this kilim...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wool
Walnut Stained
Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 2000 mm
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure: 2000mm
This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in a...
Category
2010s Ukrainian Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Steel
Walnut Stained
Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 1000 mm
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure: 1000mm
This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko. The specificity of this piece, in addition to...
Category
2010s Ukrainian Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Steel
Honey Stained
Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 500 mm
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure: 500mm
This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in ad...
Category
2010s Ukrainian Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Steel
Lacquered Finish
Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 2000 mm
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure: 2000mm
This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in a...
Category
2010s Ukrainian Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Steel
Lacquered Finish
Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 500 mm
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure: 500mm
This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in ad...
Category
2010s Ukrainian Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Steel
Lacquered Finish
Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 1000 mm
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure: 1000mm
This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in a...
Category
2010s Ukrainian Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Steel
Black Stained
Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 1000 mm
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure: 1000mm
This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko. The specificity of this piece, in addition to...
Category
2010s Ukrainian Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Steel
Black Stained
Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 500 mm
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure: 500mm
This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in ad...
Category
2010s Ukrainian Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Steel
Walnut Stained
Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 1500 mm
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure: 1500mm
This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in a...
Category
2010s Ukrainian Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Steel
Walnut Stained
Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 500 mm
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure: 500mm
This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in ad...
Category
2010s Ukrainian Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Steel
Honey Stained
Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 2000 mm
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure: 2000mm
This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in a...
Category
2010s Ukrainian Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Steel
Honey Stained
Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 1500 mm
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure: 1500mm
This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in a...
Category
2010s Ukrainian Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Steel
Honey Stained
Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 1000 mm
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure: 1000mm
This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko. The specificity of this piece, in addition to...
Category
2010s Ukrainian Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Steel
Danish Cast Iron Tripod Moon Crater Dish Cabin Candelabra Midcentury Sculpture
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Uncommon form. Very matte grey/black, 2-piece, cast iron candelabra or dish with pierced lid. Heavy little table decor. Weighs just over 5.5 lbs.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Iron
$269 Sale Price
69% Off
Modern Ash Wood
Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 1500 mm
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system
This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in addition to its...
Category
2010s Ukrainian Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Steel
Storage box/container on wheels
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful and rare teak storage box on wheels, Denmark, 1960–70s. This elegant and functional mid-century design features a cubic form with finely crafted dovetail joints and smoot...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Teak
Swedish Rug Flatweave Rollakan Cross Motif, 1950-1970
Located in Ferrara, IT
This Swedish Rug flat-weave measure 214 x 130 cm and is handmade with classic flat weave technique. Many of these carpets were hanged on walls, behind people’s backs, and on the back...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wool
Modern Ash Wood
Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 1000 mm
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure:1000mm
This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in ...
Category
2010s Ukrainian Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Steel
Organic Modern, Wool Gabehrez Persian Rug, Cream and Brown, 5
x 6
Located in New York, NY
This organic modern wool, 5' x 6' Gabehrez carpet in undyed handspun wool features a higher hand-knotted pile, making it exceptionally plush and silky in texture. While the wool is u...
Category
Early 2000s Persian Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wool
Rya Rug Scandinavian Design Nordic Knots Rug
Located in Ferrara, IT
This rug is a work of art that will brighten up any room. The bold, abstract design is eye-catching and unique, and the colors are cheerful and vibrant. The rug is made of high-quality wool, which makes it soft and comfortable to walk on. This Rya Rug Scandinavian Design is a true stunner! The abstract bold design with nice shades of brown looks amazing in any room. Plus, the soft wool construction provides superior comfort and durability. You'll love the timeless style of this Nordic Knots rug...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wool
Rare Ceramic Vase in Blue by Stig Lindberg, 1950’s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare Ceramic Vase in Blue by Stig Lindberg, 1950’s
Additional Information:
Material: Ceramic
Style: Mid century, Scandinavian
Produced by Gustavsberg in Sweden
Dimensions: (W x D x ...
Category
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Sculpture, 1960’s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Ceramic sculpture in Scandinavian Style, 1960’s
Additional Information:
Material: Ceramic
Style: Mid century, Scandinavian
Dimensions: (W x D x H): 10.5 x 17.5 x 12 cm
Condition: G...
Category
20th Century Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Rare Ceramic Vase in Yellow by Stig Lindberg, 1950’s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare Ceramic Vase in Yellow by Stig Lindberg, 1950’s
Additional Information:
Material: Ceramic
Style: Mid century, Scandinavian
Produced by Gustavsberg in Sweden
Dimensions: (W x D ...
Category
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Antique Swedish Horse Design Beige and Blue Textile, 19th Century
Located in Ferrara, IT
This is an antique European Swedish textile woven during the 19th century and measures 97 x 47CM in size. It has a horizontal format with three enclosed horse motifs set on alternati...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Cotton
Swedish Rollakan Cushion
Located in Ferrara, IT
This is a Vintage Swedish Textile woven during the early of the 19th century and measures 93 X 50 CM. It features a vibrant and exciting desig...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wool
$5,362
Scandinavian Design Swedish Textile Nordic Style
Located in Ferrara, IT
Tan France Auction Pick
This is a Scandinavian Design Swedish Textile Nordic Style woven circa 19th Century and it measures 50 X 50 cm. This fabulous ...
Category
19th Century Scandinavian Antique Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Cotton
Rya Rug Swedish with Abstract Design
Located in Ferrara, IT
This is a beautiful, hand-knotted rya rug with an abstract design in olive green. This piece is woven around 1920-1950 with turkish knots, which create a thick and durable pile. Rya ...
Category
Early 20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wool
Scandinavian Style Rollakan Textile Scandi Style
Located in Ferrara, IT
This is a Scandinavian Style Rollakan Textile woven circa 19th Century and it measures 100 X 53 cm. This fabulous textile is a perfect example of the best principles of northern sty...
Category
19th Century Scandinavian Antique Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Cotton
$3,336 Sale Price
20% Off
Kasthall Tapestry, Marocco 640, Swedish Textile Design, Bouclé Wool and Linen
By Kasthall
Located in Antwerp, BE
Kasthall Sweden Tapestry; Marocco 640; Pepper 210; Textile design; Carpet; Wall tapestry;
Woven bouclé rug in pure wool 65% and linen 35% in the Marocco...
Category
Early 2000s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wool, Linen
Scandinavian Style Rollakan Bird-Design Textile Nordic Style
Located in Ferrara, IT
The bold design of this Scandinavian Style Rollakan Bird-Design Textile is perfect to add a touch of Nordic style to your home. The eye catching design, featuring a bold floral and b...
Category
Late 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wool
Modern Ash Wood
Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 1500 mm
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system: 500mm
This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in addition...
Category
2010s Ukrainian Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Steel
Modern Ash Wood
Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 500 mm
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure:1000mm
This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in ...
Category
2010s Ukrainian Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Steel
Swedish Kilim Cross Motif Design Rug, 1920-1950
Located in Ferrara, IT
This is a semi-antique Swedish kilim woven circa 1920-1950 and it measures 235 X 172 CM. It features a simplistic pattern with geometric cross motifs that...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wool
Tapestry Horse
Rider Designed and Woven by Sten Kauppi, Sweden, 1979
Located in Stockholm, SE
Tapestry “Horse & Rider” designed and woven by Sten Kauppi,
Sweden. 1979.
Handwoven wool and linen.
Provenance: Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken.
Full page...
Category
1970s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wool, Linen
Scandinavian Modern asian art and furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern asian art and furniture 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 asian art and furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, rugs and carpets, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern asian art and furniture 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 asian art and furniture, popular names associated with this style include Studio Bermúdez , Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi , Stig Lindberg, and Aino Aalto. 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 asian art and furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $275 and tops out at $46,243 while the average work can sell for $2,319.
Still Thinking About These?
All Recently ViewedMore Ways To Browse
Buddha Stone Chinese
Buddha Throne
Buddha To Buddha
Cat Carving
Chinese Carved Gilded
Chinese Dog Statue
Chinese Eggs Porcelain
Chinese Enamel Dish
Chinese Erotic
Chinese Giltwood Panel
Chinese Guangxu Porcelain
Chinese Jade Disc
Chinese Lacquerware
Chinese Luohan
Chinese Marble Carving
Chinese Oil Lamp
Chinese Porcelain Hat Stand
Chinese Porcelain Incense