Scandinavian Animal Sculptures

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda – Glass Rooster and Hen Figurines, Sweden, Mid-20th Century. Original labels still in place. Molded clear glass. Excellent vintage condition, with no chips or cracks. Dimensions: - rooster 13.5 cm x 12 cm - hen 11 cm × 4.5 cm A striking pair of clear glass bird sculptures—rooster and hen—designed by Bertil Vallien, one of Sweden’s most revered glass artists. These pieces were produced by Boda Sweden, the iconic glassworks known for its fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modernist design. The rooster stands upright with a proud, curled tail and finely etched plumage, embodying strength and vigilance. The hen, seated with tail feathers softly fanned, offers a gentle counterbalance—symbolizing calm and domestic grace. Together, they form a harmonious duo, rich in symbolism and sculptural elegance. Vallien’s work is celebrated for its poetic minimalism and symbolic depth. While he is best known for his sand-cast glass sculptures, these molded pieces reflect his mastery of form and light on a more intimate scale. His designs are held in major museum collections and are highly sought after by collectors of Scandinavian modernism. 💎 Collector’s Notes - Original manufacturer's labels “Boda” on bases, confirming origin within the Kosta Boda family...

A very cool modernist hand carved rosewood polar bear sculpture in the style of Arne Tjomsland, circa 1960s. This hard to finf MCM piece is in very good vintage condition and measure...

Kristian Solmer Vedel Family of Oak Birds, circa 2006. Measures: Large: 4.88" Deep x 4" Wide x 4" Tall Medium: 4.38" Deep x 2.75" Wide x 4.75" Tall S...

Knud Kyhn Royal Copenhagen Baboon Figure, Denmark, 1960s This ceramic figure of a seated baboon was designed by Danish sculptor Knud Kyhn (1880–1969) for Royal Copenhagen. Kyhn was r...

This wooden Polar Bear figurine was made in Denmark during the 1960s. Handcrafted from high-quality, smoothly sanded wood with rich grain visible throughout. The figurine has a simpl...

A stunning and unique stoneware rooster sculpture with amazing glaze. Made by Tyra Lundgren. Executed in her own studio in Sweden, 1955. Great condition, but with a couple of chips to the base (pictured). Signed by the artist in two places, and dated 1955-06-20. Provenance: bought from the estate of the artist in 1979. Tyra Lundgren (1897-1979) was one of the most multifaceted artists and modernists of the twentieth century. She was a painter, drawer, sculptor, ceramist, glass- and textile designer, as well as an author and an art critic. She was the first woman who designed glass for Paolo Venini at Murano in Venice and she also served as the artistic leader at Arabia in Helsinki at a time when men tended to hold those kinds of positions. Tyra Lundgren grew up in Djursholm, near Stockholm. Her parents were John Petter Lundgren, professor at Veterinärinstitutet (institute of veterinary sciences) in Stockholm, and Edith Lundgren née Åberg, who was a housewife and raised their six children. The bourgeois home also comprised a nanny and a female cook. The family were very socially active, travelled often, and enjoyed the outdoor lifestyle. Tyra Lundgren’s schooling began at Djursholm coeducational school, where her teachers included Natanael and Elsa Beskow and Alice Tegnér. Her school friends included Greta Knutson-Tzara, Stellan Mörner, and Ingrid Rydbeck-Zuhr. Tyra Lundgren knew from the time she was five years old that she wanted to be an artist. She first became aware of the profession through Axel Fahlcrantz, who rented a studio on the plot of land where she lived with her family. In 1913 she began to attend Högre konstindustriella skolan (HKS, now known as Konstfack, college of arts, crafts and design) where she studied decorative art as well as handicrafts in various forms until 1917. One of her fellow students and friends there was Estrid Ericson, who later founded Svenskt Tenn AB in 1924. Whilst attending HKS Tyra Lundgren also took painting lessons at the Althin school of painting. In 1917 she was accepted as a candidate at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts where, apart from breaks during which she undertook studies abroad, she remained until 1922. She spent a couple of months taking lessons from Anton Hanak in Vienna and from 1920–1923 she was a student of André Lhote in Paris. Tyra Lundgren was primarily active in four countries: Sweden, Finland, France, and Italy. She spent much of her professional life travelling and considered herself to be a European. Greece and Mexico also formed important centres in her artistic life, as did the USA. She had an extensive social network which included focal individuals within twentieth century-European and American artistic and cultural circles. Tyra Lundgren’s main artistic motifs were birds, fish, and people which she depicted through different techniques and materials. Her artistic expression involved a variety of different directions and styles. She was a pioneer of the 1920s Swedish Grace style, the name of which had been coined by the art critic Morton Shand at the Stockholm Exhibition of 1930. This was a Swedish Art Deco style, characterised by elegance and traditional art which contrasted with the current artistic ideals of functionalism. Tyra Lundgren made her debut at a group exhibition held at Kungliga Akademien för de fria konsterna in 1921. She went on to show her work at various exhibitions throughout the 1920s. After that period she only very rarely exhibited her paintings. Tyra Lundgren’s painted output can be divided into different periods or stylistic directions. The first of these, and the most extensive, was her post-Cubist period which began in 1920 on her arrival in Paris. Her paintings from this time and right up to the mid-1930s typically comprise portraits, self-portraits, live-model painting, still-lifes, interiors, and landscapes in the Cubist style. Many of the great number of self-portraits she painted were produced in the New Objective style, displaying broad variation in terms of clothes, poses and techniques. Two of these – Huvud med vit duk and Självporträtt both from 1921 – can be seen at Moderna Museet in Stockholm, although the majority of these works are at Gotlands Museum. Tyra Lundgren’s second artistic period comprises the years of 1927 to 1929 and is characterised by the New Objective style inspired by medieval techniques and materials (Giotto, Piero della Francesca). Her motifs were still-lifes and landscapes. At this point she was living in Rome and was close to the circle involved in the Valori plastici: rivista d’arte art journal. This period saw a breakthrough in her development as a painter. From the 1950s through the 1970s her work can almost be described as belonging to the Concrete style. Using light pastel colours her paintings sought light in a sometimes non-figurative expression, but often depicting abstract bird-shapes or other nature-inspired imagery. Her paintings from this period are outsized and display powerful colours, in yellows, reds, and blues. Tyra Lundgren maintained a constant production of drawings, both in terms of individual artworks and sketches for patterns and designs. She also produced the illustrations for her book Fagert i Fide. Årstiderna på en gammal gotlandsgård, published in 1961. During her early years she also produced advertising illustrations. She spent the final years of her life primarily working with lithographs which were printed at Galleri Prisma and depicted images of doves, swallows, magpies and crows. Tyra Lundgren is meanwhile best known for her work as a ceramist and in this sphere she was one of Sweden’s leading exponents. She worked in the porcelain industry as a designer and as an artisan and ceramic sculptor. Her first job was at St Eriks Lervarufabrik in Uppsala from 1922–1924, she then worked at Arabia from 1924–1937, and at Rörstrand and Lidköping Porslinsfabrik. She was the artistic leader at Arabia ahead of the 1930 Stockholm Exhibition and she exhibited her work at the World’s Fairs. During the 1934–1938 period she was connected to the Manufacture nationale de Sèvres porcelain factory in Paris. Tyra Lundgren was a pioneer when it came to giving ceramic art a public space in Sweden. She produced around 20 outsized reliefs in stoneware, so-called monumental reliefs. One of these is Märkeskvinnor, from 1947, for the former girls’ school at Bohusgatan in Stockholm. From the 1940s onwards Tyra Lundgren produced sculptural objects in Chamotte clay and stoneware, with various glazings. Her small birds are well-known and popular with many. When her ceramic efforts became too much for her during the 1970s she then produced models for sculptures in bronze. There are six of these in various places around the globe, including Solfågel in Almedalen, Visby. Tyra Lundgren began to work as a glassware designer at Moser in Karlsbad in 1922 where she designed new table services and modernised older ones. She also worked freelance for Riihimäki factory in Finland during the 1924–1929 period. From 1934 to 1938 she was employed by Kosta glass factory where she mainly designed thick-walled bowls and vases, engraved with classical motifs. She was introduced to the glassmaker Paolo Venini at Murano during the Triennale di Milano of 1936 and they began a collaboration that lasted into the 1950s. As part of this collaboration Tyra Lundgren became the first woman to design glassware and, in conjunction with the glassblower Arturo Biasutto, she developed new techniques of glass production. Her motifs at this point were birds, fish, snail-shaped designs and leaf-patterned bowls using traditional techniques as well as in new designs. It was during this time that she created the so-called tissue-shaped bowls and it remains unclear as to who specifically came up with the design but Tyra Lundgren claimed it was of her making. Tyra Lundgren was active as textile designer for Licium (now HV Licium), the sacred textiles...

Kuno Norvark (1913-1989) for Bing and Grondahl. Colossal and rare figurine of a bison in glazed stoneware. Model number 7054. Approx. 1970s Marked. Second factory quality. In very...

The Danish artist and Sculptor Peder Evald Madsen was born in 1951 and died last year in his home. These pieces came from his own collection and were sold at auction in 2024. A parti...

Beautifully glazed stoneware fish figure by Sven Wejsfelt for Gustavsberg, Sweden. Circa 1980's Rich dark brown glaze Original Gustavsberg Anchor label attached Height 3.5 inch, L...

This porcelain polar bear by Danish B&G is the largest Version made by the company. It is model number 1954 and it was designed by Niels Nielsen. These giant Bears, almost the size o...

A chubby and unusual Money bank pig executed in glazed studio stoneware. A unique design by the Danish ceramist Per Steffen Petersen who from the 1940s onwards worked at Kähler in De...

Large roaring polar bear figurine/sculpture in porcelain. Designed in 1901 by Carl Frederik Liisberg for Royal Copenhagen. This example dates to t...

With What's Up/What Now?, Frida Fjellman has developed her Erik-Höglund-inspired glass sculptures with the same individual style. Fjellman has chosen to emphasize the properties that...

Rare polar bear in teak by Norwegian sculptor Arne Tjomsland, produced by Hiorth & Østlyngen, Norway in the 1950s. The wood appears to be Afromosia, the so called African Teak. Sm...

Scandinavian Teak Rooster Egg Holder , comes with an egg shaped candle. Good vintage condition.

Pair of porcelain birds designed by Danish artist Jens Peter Dahl Jensen and made in Copenhagen by Bing Grøndahl. Model no: 1633 and 1635...

Sung glazed stoneware Terrier by Knud Kyhn for Royal Copenhagen, designed in the 1920’s - this little dog has great character - typical of a terrier Super example of Kyhn's creativen...

A lovely vase of model "Cocos" designed 1954 by Hjördis Oldfors at Upsala Ekeby. the Cocos-serie was only in production in 1954. This is the largest vase in the serie with model numb...

Fantastic relief plate made of glazed stoneware by the Danish artist Noomi Backhausen for Søholm in the 1960s, numbered and stamped, representing an open...

Nice stoneware animal figurine of a bear by Tilgmans Pottery Sweden. This sculpture was made by the founder of Tilgmans Pottery - Harry Tilgman.. His initials HT are carved in the f...

A porcelain sculpture of a wolf by Waldemar Lindström for Rörstrand, early 20th century. Impressed signature to plinth. 11 inches wide by 6 ½ inches deep 7 inches tall

A wonderful pair of Danish Art Deco fish sculptures by the famed maker, Just Andersen. Done in two complimentary designs . Signed.

Knud Kyhn for Royal Copenhagen. Large stoneware bear with classic brown and grey sung glaze. First quality. Signed with monogram and model number 21750 (or possibly 21756, as the ma...

A rare stoneware bird by Svend Aage Holm Sørensen made in the in the 1950s. A perfect detail. * A stoneware desk bird with brown glaze * Designer: Svend Aage Holm Sørensen * Year:...

Stylized Ceramic Toucan Bird by Esther Wallin for Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1970s A charming and beautifully stylized ceramic toucan bird known as "Goja" designed and signed by Esther W...

Large Elephant by Vicke Lindstrand for Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s Elegant and expressive ceramic elephant designed by Vicke Lindstrand (1904–1983) for the Swedish ceramics company...

This series of elephants / mammoths, bears, deers etc was designed by the Danish ceramist Knud Kyhn (KK) all the way back in 1929-36. Hugely inspired by the sung glazes applied in Ax...

A water clear crystal elephant circa 1970's, made in Sweden. The sculpture is marked Eneryda on the underside.

A stylish asymmetrical organically shaped dish or wall plaque decorated with a pair of Flamingos in white glaze. Designed by Piotr Labuzek Baro and made at Knabstrup in Denmark circa...

A stylish Danish attributed mid-century carved teak model of a fish mounted on a base,. The fish carved from a single piece of wood and is unusual in that it can be rotated and viewe...

A fantastic vintage ceramic/stoneware figurine/ sculpture depicting an owl made by Thomas Hellström for Nittsjö Sweden. This is one of Hellströms' famous animals for Nittsjö Keramik,...

Pair of ceramic/earthenware sculptures created by Danish artist Anette Edmark, the sculptures have a horse head shape, one with dark glaze and the other ...

Stout, chubby and charming lumpfish / lumpsucker (Cyclopterus) in glazed stoneware. Earthy brown, grey and naturally perceived color. Executed by Axella in Denmark circa 1970. Measur...

Danish Teak Figurines 1950s

Dahl Jensen, a figurine of a shrike in porcelain. Model number: 1030 Dating: 1920/30s. Marked with royal crown and DJ Copenhagen. In perfect condition. First factory quality. Dimensi...

Classic early 1960s Danish design teak wood brush set of two in the form of a hedgehog. Nice addition to your room or just for your collection of Design items. Made of teak wood and ...

Gorgeous pair of stylized crystal polar bear sculptures / paperweights by Maleras of Sweden, circa 1990s. The bears are in very good vintage condition with no chips or visible imper...

Sweet miniature full lead crystal signed sculpture by the Swedish artist Mats Jonasson. Very good condition, it has been kept in its original box.

This magnificent "Sitting Hare" sculpture is a stunning artistic achievement. Crafted from high-quality porcelain by Porsgrund Porcelain in Norway and designed by Johan Sirnes circa ...

Wonderful art deco Lard Kjellander art glass vase dating from the 1930's and was made in Sweden. Has etched angel fish and bubbles around the sides. Signed on the bottom by the artis...

A striking collection of three Royal Copenhagen porcelain polar bear figurines, each showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and elegant Scandinavian design. These hand-painted sculptures...

Pair of Kay Bojesen black birds originally designed in 1950. Carved of beech and finished in black gloss and matte. W 4.12'' x D 1.75'' x H 3.33''

Kay Bojesen monkey, small model in teak and limba. DBU Herrelandsholdet limited edition. Classic Danish design icon. — Origin: Denmark — Designer: Kay Bojesen — Model: Monkey, small...

Created by Allan Therkelsen for Royal Copenhagen, this white porcelain polar bear and her two cubs were from the 'Motherly Love' series of figures. Beautifully sculptured and hand p...

Royal copenhagen porcelain porcelain with seal motif Origin Denmark circa 1940 20th century perfect condition. Royal Copenhagen, officially the Royal Porcelain Factory (Danish: Den K...

A charming set of 3 Blue Art Glass Bird Paperweight Figurines from FM Ronneby, Sweden. These exquisite vintage ornaments will add a touch of elegance to any space. Crafted with preci...

This series of elephants/mammoths, bears, monkeys etc was designed by the Danish ceramist Knud Kyhn (KK) all the way back in 1929-36. Hugely inspired by the sung glazes applied in Ax...

Vintage interpretation of Herman Melville's Moby Dick. The great white whale. It is executed in sheet iron and measures 64 cm in length. According to its latest owner is was a part o...

Ernst Billgren (Wilhelm von Kröckert) " Roof Guest" sculpture, 1999 A glass object of a duck, Titled "Roof Guest" Anno 1999, numbered with II/II Ers...

Rare pair of MCM teak owl sculptures with posable heads by Skjode Skjern of Denmark, circa 1950s. The owls are finely crafted and made of teak with walnut and...

Swedish antique toy rocking horse, origin: Sweden, circa 1870 - 1900. Beautiful, untouched, original condition including the paint, ...

Dahl Jensen porcelain figurine of a Sealyham Terrier puppy. Model: 1008. From the 1930s. In perfect condition. First factory quality. Dimensions: W 12.0 cm x H 9.0 cm.

Unique fish sculpture by the renowned Danish artist Carl Hugo Liisberg (1896-1958). Its executed in glazed stoneware and has a rather naturalistic look to it. The old crown from Saxb...

Royal Copenhagen porcelain figurine. Frog on a stone. Early 1900s. Model number 507. In excellent condition. Marked. First factory quality. Dimensions: W 4.2 cm x H 3.5 cm.

Mid-Century Modern squirrel crystal sculpture by Olle Alberius for Orrefors. Very beautiful, massive crystal sculpture designed by Olle Alberius and made by Orrefors. Signed under t...

A glazed black crocodile or Alligator decorated with green dots across its spine. It can be displayed lying of wall mounted. Designed and made a...

Brutalist inspired stoneware hedgehog designed by female Danish Ceramist, Artist and Sculptor Tut Fog in the mid-1970s. This particular example (7010) dates from the 1970s and is the...

Abstract figurine depicting two connected goats sharing 3 horns. It is executed in blanc de chine porcelain and decorated with blue glaze. It was designed by Agnethe Jørgensen in Den...

A skillfully hand carved figurine of a running Greyhound or Whippet. Beautiful details and a rich golden patina to the oak. Made by an anonymous craftsman in Scandinavia circa 1900-2...

Anthropomorphic Sculpture, Teak Bird, Danish Design from the 1960s. This teak sculpture from Denmark, represents a bird treated in a minimal, almost abstract manner. Standing 38 c...