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Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

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
Johnny Mattsson Sculpture / Bowl Produced by Johnny Mattsson in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sculpture / bowl designed by Johnny Mattsson. Produced by Johnny Mattsson in Sweden.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Pine

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda, Att. Silver Boat Series, Art Glass Sculpture
Located in Frome, GB
This striking work of Swedish art glass design is by Bertil Vallien (b. 1938 - ), a celebrated glass artist, sculptor, ceramist, and designer. This piece is attributed as a variation...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Stig Blomberg Reliefs in Bronze by ASEA in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare set of 4 reliefs designed by Stig Blomberg. Produced by ASEA in Sweden.
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

“Fritidsflickan” – Bronze Sculpture by Stig Blomberg for Ystad Brons, Sweden
Located in Staffanstorp, SE
A striking and spirited bronze sculpture titled “Fritidsflickan” (The Leisure Girl), designed by acclaimed Swedish sculptor Stig Blomberg and produced by Ystad Brons in the mid-20th ...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Monica Backström Sculpture Produced in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sculpture in shape of an glass egg with glass rods designed by Monica Backström. Produced in Sweden. Signed Monica Backström Ateljé.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg. Porcelain sculpture. "The Twins", Parian 2 series
Located in København, Copenhagen
Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg. Porcelain sculpture. "The Twins", Parian 2 series. 1977. In perfect condition. Marked. Dimensions: H 24.0 x D 10.0 cm.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

GUNNAR UOTILA, wood sculpture, signed and dated 1953
Located in Helsinki, FI
Gunnar Uotila (Finland, 1913-1997) - Unique carved wood sculpture "EVE" , signed and dated 1953 - Gunnar Uotila was a sculptor producing mainly wooden carved works . - Exhibitions ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Lisa Larson for Gustavsberg, Figure in Glazed Stoneware, Emil from Lønneberg
Located in København, Copenhagen
Lisa Larson for Gustavsberg. Figure in glazed stoneware. Emil from Lønneberg. Late 20th century. Measures: 13.5 x 9 cm. In excellent condition. Signed.
Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Claire Weiss for Bing Grøndahl. Porcelain figure. Boy. 1970s.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Claire Weiss for Bing & Grøndahl. Porcelain figure. Boy. 1970s. Model number 2399. Measures: 13 x 8 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped. 1st factory quality.
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Contemporary Hand Carved Sisin Vase No. 5 in Linden Wood by Antrei Hartikainen
Located in Fiskars, FI
SISIN (finnish for “quiddity”) is a sculptural hand carved vessel series where the forms and textures are inspired by exceptional beauty and necessity of mushrooms. Hollow pedestals...
Category

2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Sven Wejsfelt for Gustavsberg, Unique Stim Fish in Glazed Ceramics
Located in København, Copenhagen
Sven Wejsfelt (1930-2009) for Gustavsberg. Unique Stim fish in glazed ceramics. Perch. 1980s. Measures: 15 x 8 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Sven Wejsfelt for Gustavsberg, Unique Stim Fish in Glazed Ceramics
Located in København, Copenhagen
Sven Wejsfelt (1930-2009) for Gustavsberg. Unique Stim fish in glazed ceramics. Perch. 1980s. Measures: 15 x 8 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Ole Bjørn Krüger, Danish Sculptor and Ceramicist, Huge Sculpture
Located in København, Copenhagen
Ole Bjørn Krüger (1922-2007), Danish sculptor and ceramicist. Huge unique sculpture in glazed stoneware. Beautiful glaze in turquoise and black shades, 1960s / 70s. Measures: 50 x 1...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Lisa Larson for Gustavsberg, Rare Figure in Glazed Ceramics, Boy with Bag
Located in København, Copenhagen
Lisa Larson for Gustavsberg. Rare figure in glazed ceramics. Boy with the bag, 1970s-1980s. Measures: 19 x 12.5 cm. In very good condition. Signed.
Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Sculpture Puppy in the World by Sonja Petterson, Sweden, 2000, Pug, Dog
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sculpture 'Puppy in the World' by Sonja Petterson, Sweden, 2000. Signed. Sonja Petterson was a Swedish sculptor. She studied at Konstfack—the Stockholm University of Arts, Crafts a...
Category

Early 2000s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Plaster

Ivy Lysdal, Danish Ceramist and Painter, Organic Unique Sculpture
Located in København, Copenhagen
Ivy Lysdal, b. 1937. Danish ceramist and painter. Organic unique sculpture. 1970s-1980s. In very good condition. Measures: 21 x 18 cm Signed. Educated at the arts and Craft sc...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Monumental Swordfish in Patinated Bronze
Located in København, Copenhagen
Monumental swordfish in patinated bronze. Measures: 71 cm. X 20 cm. In perfect condition. Unstamped. Mid-20 century.
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Large, Impressive Danish Private Collection, Figure of Elderly Man Jens Petersen
Located in København, Copenhagen
Large and impressive Danish private collection (Total of 42 unique vases, bowls, figurines, etc.) Soren Kongstrand 1872-1951) and Jens Petersen (1890-195...
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Contemporary Hand Carved Sisin Vase No. 3 in Linden Wood by Antrei Hartikainen
Located in Fiskars, FI
SISIN (finnish for “quiddity”) is a sculptural hand carved vessel series where the forms and textures are inspired by exceptional beauty and necessity of mushrooms. Hollow pedesta...
Category

2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Contemporary Hand Carved Sisin Vase No. 2 in Linden Wood by Antrei Hartikainen
Located in Fiskars, FI
SISIN (finnish for “quiddity”) is a sculptural hand carved vessel series where the forms and textures are inspired by exceptional beauty and necessity of mushrooms. Hollow pedesta...
Category

2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Vase Fabula and Ariel Designed by Per B. Sundberg for Orrefors, Sweden, 2004
Located in Stockholm, SE
Vase Fabula and Ariel designed by Per B. Sundberg for Orrefors, Sweden. 2004. Glass. Dimensions: H: 20 cm/ 7 7/8" D: 17 cm/ 6 2/3" Unique. Signed Orrefors 9663-87 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 Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Contemporary Hand Carved Sisin Vase No. 4 in Linden Wood by Antrei Hartikainen
Located in Fiskars, FI
SISIN (finnish for “quiddity”) is a sculptural hand carved vessel series where the forms and textures are inspired by exceptional beauty and necessity of mushrooms. Hollow pedestals...
Category

2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Awake Snipe Beak Bird Oak Sculpture by Svend-Aage Holm-Sørensen for Warm Nordic
Located in Viby J, DK
Charming teak birds with beaks and great personality. Manufactured in Denmark and designed by the internationally renowned designer, Svend Aage Holm-Sørensen...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Oak

Danish Ceramic Coconut Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
1960s Danish textured ceramic sculpture of a coconut.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Sculpture “Rabarberblad” Designed by Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sculpture “Rabarberblad” designed by Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd, Sweden. 1950s. Patinated bronze. Signed and numbered "19/20." Dimensions: L: 50 cm / 1' 6 1/2" W: 57 cm / 1' 8" D: ...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Rare Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda set of glassware teacup vase and sugar pot
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: Vase: 22,5cm H, 11cm W, 5cm D Teacup: 15cm W, 14cm D ,13 cm H Sugar pot: 15 cm H, 13cm W, 5 cm D All are in mint condition. Collectable items ...
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Dog Sculpture Rosa by Sonja Petterson, Sweden, 2000
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sonja Petterson Sculpture 'Rosa' by Sonja Petterson, Sweden, 2000 Signed.
Category

Early 2000s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Fiberglass

Fossilized Fish Sculpture by Taisto Kaasinen for Arabia
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An impressive stoneware sculpture of a fish fossil having a rich and variegated matte glaze over expressive textural impressions enriched by brown underglaze markings. Signed "T. Kaa...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Fossilized Fish Sculpture by Taisto Kaasinen for Arabia
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A substantial stoneware sculpture of a fossilized flatfish having a rich and variegated matte glaze over expressive textural impressions enriched by brown underglaze markings. Signed...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Betta Fish Sculpture by Michael Schilkin for Arabia
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An uncommon white stoneware betta fish sculpture with thick glossy cyan glaze. Signed.
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Sculpture by Taisto Kaasinen for Arabia
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An uncommon ceramic seal sculpture with painterly red-brown glaze.
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Sculpture by Nils G. Stenqvist, Bronze, Unique, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sculpture by Nils G. Stenqvist, Sweden. 1950's. Bronze. Unique. Dimensions: H: 38 cm / 1' 2" W: 48 cm / 1' 5"
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Einar Höste, Sculpture, 1973
Located in Stockholm, SE
Einar Höste 1930-2013. Sculpture in brass, “Hopvikbar sfär” (Folded sphere). The sculpture was exhibited at Galleri Burén, Stockholm 1973. Made in 6 ex. ...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Sculpture, “Tjurhuvud, ” Designed by Edvin Öhrström, Sweden, 1952
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sculpture, “Tjurhuvud,” Designed by Edvin Öhrström, Sweden, 1952. Signed and dated "E. Öhrstrom, 1983." Glass. Measurements: H: 77 cm/ 2' 6 1/3" W: ...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Sigvard Nilsson for Söwe Konst, Unique Wooden Sculpture, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Staffanstorp, SE
A striking and unique wooden sculpture by Swedish artist Sigvard Nilsson, created for Söwe Konst during the 1970s. Entirely crafted in solid elm, this piece showcases Nilsson’s refin...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Stoneware Sculpture by Bengt Berglund for Gustavsberg, 1960s
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A hand built sculpture made of stamped, stained and glazed stoneware slabs. Signed 'B. Berglund' with Gustavsberg Sweden sticker numbered '47'.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Vase Designed by Per B. Sundberg for Orrefors, Sweden, 2003
Located in Stockholm, SE
Vase designed by Per B. Sundberg for Orrefors, Sweden. 2003. Glass. Dimensions: H: 27 cm/ 10 2/3" D: 18 cm/ 7" Unique. Signed Orrefors 9454-87 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 Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Unique Sculpture, Made by Toini Muona, Finland, 1960s-Early 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Unique Sculpture, made by Toini Muona, Finland. 1960s/Early 1970s Stoneware with a metallic glaze. Support of limestone and porcelain. Measurements: H: 21 cm/ 8 1/4" D: 12 cm/ 4 3/4"
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Limestone

Sculpture by Evert Lindfors, Sweden, 1970s
By Evert Lindfors
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sculpture by Evert Lindfors, Sweden. 1970's. Terracotta and bronze. Base: W: 22, 5 cm/ 9'' L: 51,5 cm / 20 1/4'' Sculpture: H: 76 cm/ 30'' W: 35 cm/ 13 3/4'' L: 47 cm/ 18 2/4 ''
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Unique Bronze Sculpture by Leo Laukkanen Sweden 1960 Signed
Located in Paris, FR
Unique bronze sculpture by Leo Laukkanen Sweden 1960 Nice patina, good condition. More photos available Leo Olavi Laukkanen (11 October 1913 Helsinki - 1 November 1978 Helsinki) was a Finnish sculptor. He is particularly known for his abstract miniature sculptures, most of which are made of granite. Laukkanen studied at the Central School of Art and Design from 1931 to 1933. Although the best-known part of Laukkanen's output consists of abstract sculptures, in the early and late stages of his career he also made figurative sculptures in both stone and bronze, including female figures. In 1980, Helsinki Art Hall hosted an extensive memorial exhibition of Laukkanen's works, which he had bequeathed to the Finnish Artists' Association. Laukkanen was an assistant to the sculptor Wäinö Aaltonen...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Oscar Reutersvärd Sculpture ‘Uppåtsträvande rörelse’ Produced in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sculpture ‘Uppåtsträvande rörelse’ by Oscar Reutersvärd. Produced in Sweden.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Arvid Källström Sculpture / Bookend Produced in Sweden
By Arvid Kallstrom
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sculpture / bookend designed by Arvid Källström. Produced in Sweden.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Decorative Bowl / Sculpture Produced in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Decorative bowl / sculpture by unknown designer. Produced in Sweden.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ash

Monica Backström Sculpture Produced in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sculpture in shape of an glass egg with glass rods designed by Monica Backström. Produced in Sweden. Signed Monica Backström Ateljé.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Contemporary Hand Carved Sisin Vase No. 1 in Linden Wood by Antrei Hartikainen
Located in Fiskars, FI
Sisin (finnish for “quiddity”) is a sculptural hand carved vessel series where the forms and textures are inspired by exceptional beauty and necessity of mushrooms. Hollow pedesta...
Category

2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Contemporary Sculpture in Red-Elder Wood Handcrafted in Denmark by ÖRN DUVALD
Located in Gentofte, DK
Sculpture by Pétur Örn and Søren Duvald. Object between form and function- a composition of architectural elements and furniture craft traditions. Exhibited in 2015 at Dronninglund...
Category

2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Other

Sculpture “Rain” Designed by Ole Christensen, Denmark, 1950s
By Ole Christiansen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sculpture “Rain” designed by Ole Christensen, Denmark, 1950s. Stoneware. Dimensions: H: 79 cm/ 2' 7 5/8'' D: 31 cm/ 1' 1/2'' Provenance: The collec...
Category

1950s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Sculpture, Designed by John Selbing for Orrefors, Sweden, 1961
By John Selbing
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sculpture, designed by John Selbing for Orrefors, Sweden, 1961. Glass. Dimensions: H: 46.5 cm Diameter: 13 cm
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Unique Set of three Swedish Sculptures by Jan Johansson, Glass, Limestone, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sculpture, designed by Jan Johansson, Sweden, 1970s. Unique. Different colored glass blocks on limestone pedestals. Heights including the pedestals: 106 cm/ 41 3/4'' 82 cm/ 32 1/...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sculptures

Materials

Limestone

Scandinavian Modern sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern sculptures 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 sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern sculptures 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 sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Knud Kyhn, Royal Copenhagen, Kay Bojesen, and Arne Tjomsland. 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 sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $135 and tops out at $25,000 while the average work can sell for $1,941.