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Scandinavian Modern Vases

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
Michael Andersen Set of Graphic Ceramic Lamps and Vase, 1950s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Danish Mid-Century Modern ceramic pieces by ceramic artist Marianne Starck for Michael Andersen Son. Two table lamps and one vase from the same series. Rectangular and geometri...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware, Ceramic, Pottery

Baca Vase by Nils Thorsson for Royal Copenhagen
Located in Malibu, CA
Baca Vase by Nils Thorsson for Royal Copenhagen. Fajance Series. Denmark circa 1960's. Signed.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Large Bronze Art Deco Vase by Sune Backstrom, Sweden, 1920s
Located in Malmö, SE
A large and beautiful bronze vase with amazing patina. Designed by Sune Bäckström in Malmoe, Sweden, 1920s. Great condition. Stamped 'BRONS', model number '9017' and signature 'Su...
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Bronze

Timo Sarpaneva Cardinal s Hat for Iittala in Lilac, 1957
Located in Helsinki, FI
Timo Sarpaneva received the Grand Prix award for this art piece in the Milan Triennial XI in 1957. It was made in a number of different colors. The material is glass, clear and viole...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Søholm 1960s Organic Modern Aqua Mint Ceramic Vase, Denmark
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Extremely rare Japanese inspired Søholm vase. Handmade Danish Mid-Century Modern stoneware vase with mint and aqua green glaze and hand-carved minimalist, geometric pattern around th...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware, Pottery

Muurla Red Art Glass Ruffled Handkerchief Vase Scandinavian Modern Finland
Located in Miami, FL
Gorgeous Scandinavian Modern blown, and Hand painted Muurla Red Art Glass Ruffled Handkershief Vase made in Finland. Makers Mark on Top of Vase. This Fazzoletto Style Vase brings jo...
Category

Late 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Glass Vase with Spiral Pattern by Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta, Sweden
Located in Goteborg, SE
When Vicke Lindstrand came back to the glass in 1950s after a decade as artistic leader at the ceramic factory Upsala-Ekeby, he exploded in a creative burst of new shapes and pattern...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Anna Lisa Thomson, Vase, Earthenware, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed earthenware vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thompson and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Kosta "Zebra" Glass Vase by Vicke Lindstrand, 1950s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Kosta "Zebra" Glass Vase by Vicke Lindstrand, 1950s. Scandinavian hand blown art glass by Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta (later Kosta Boda), Sweden. This rare Swedish vase of the Zebra S...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

Nittsjö, Vase, Yellow-Glazed Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow, glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, 1940s.   
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A fluted beige and green-glazed vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Peter Ipsens Enke, Vases, Stoneware, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of blue-glazed and fluted stoneware vases designed and produced by Peter Ipsens Enke, Denmark, 1940s.
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Börne Augustsson, Vase, Blown Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An organic blown glass vase designed by Börne Augustsson and produced by Åseda Glasbruk, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

1980s Art Glass Vase Candle Holder Style of Timo Sarpaneva Finland
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Glass Vase Candle Holder Art Glass style of Timo Sarpaneva. Thick textured glass Beautiful vase can also be used as a candle holder No label present. Scandinavia ...
Category

1980s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Hand-Carved Swedish Sand, Black Graphic Decor Ceramic Vase, 1960s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Stunning rustic handmade ceramic Swedish Mid-Century Modern cylindrical vase with intricate hand carved graphic pattern. Manufactured by Alingsås Keramik...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware

Ewald Dahlskog, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed fluted earthenware vase designed by Ewald Dahlskog and produced by Bo Fajans, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A grey and brown-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A celadon green-glazed and fluted earthenware vase, designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden c. 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Nils Thorsson Scandinavian Ceramic Vases for Royal Copenhagen, 1960s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Scandinavian ceramic vases set designed by Danish artist Nils Thorsson for Royal Copenhagen with mark and numbering printed on the bottom, 19...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Harry Moilanen 1931-1991 for Nuutajärvi Notsjö, Vase in Art Glass
Located in København, Copenhagen
Harry Moilanen (1931-1991) for Nuutajärvi Notsjö. Vase in dark blue and clear mouth-blown art glass. Finnish design. Dated 1963. Measures: 18.5 x 1...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Otto Klaesson 1950s Cream White Glazed Swedish Stoneware Vase
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Elegant example of classic Scandinavian midcentury craftsmanship. Handmade stoneware vase with cream white glaze. Fine dotted pattern around the base of the neck and tiny brown accents in the glaze surrounding the pattern. Beautifully shaped vase with a round belly and a slender neck. Designed by Otto...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Pottery, Ceramic, Stoneware

Upsala-Ekeby, Yellow Glazed Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow, glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Arthur Andersson, Set of 2 Mid-Century Stoneware Vases, Wallakra, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of two beautiful stoneware vases with amazing glaze. Made by Arthur Andersson for Wallakra, Sweden, 1950s Great condition. Incised signature 'AWA' and impressed makers mark ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Ceramic Floor Vase by Anna-Lisa Thomson, 1950s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This large ceramic floor vase, model “Paprika,” designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson and produced by Upsala Ekeby in Sweden during the 1950s, is a stunning example of mid-century Scandinavi...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s. Production-related imperfections to glaze.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Einar Johansen Graphic Grey Brown Ceramic Vase for Søholm, 1960s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Danish Mid-Century Modern handmade and hand decorated stoneware vase by designer Einar Johansen. Grey base with brown lines accentuating the geometric pattern on all four sides. Manu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware, Pottery

Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige-glazed fluted stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A fluted celadon-green-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Scandinavian Modern Vase in Pewter by Tage Göthlin for Tesi -1967
Located in Örebro, SE
Beautiful vase in pewter by Tage Göthlin for Tesi - 1967. Decorated with flowers an leaves. Good vintage condition, wear consistent with age and use. Une...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Pewter

Nittsjö, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow-glazed ceramic vase designed and produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Nittsjö, Vase, Yellow Glazed Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Michael Andersen, Vase, Stoneware, Denmark, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A grey and blue-glazed stoneware vase designed and produced by Michael Andersen, Bornholm, Sweden, 1960s.
Category

1960s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Motala Lervarufabrik, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed fluted vase designed and produced by Motala Lervarufabrik, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Albin Hamberg, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Albin Hamberg, Höganäs, Sweden, c. 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige and green-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Unique White Stoneware Vase by Stig Lindberg. Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1963
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful and unique stoneware vase with amazing white glaze. Made by Stig Lindberg in Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden. 1963. Great condition. Incised "Stig L" and Gustavsberg studio h...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Swedish Designer, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brown and beige ceramic vase designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

1960s XL Tapio Wirkkala Vase Rosenthal Cogwheel Flower Centerpiece Alvar Aalto
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Very rave in this massive size, but is chipped on top rim.
Category

1960s German Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Upsala-Ekeby, Vase, Green Glazed Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A green glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Upsala-Ekeby, Vase, Green-Glazed Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A green, glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige and orange-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Upsala-Ekeby/Gefle, Sweden. Two "Kairo" ceramic vases in light blue glaze
Located in København, Copenhagen
Upsala-Ekeby/Gefle, Sweden. Two "Kairo" (Cairo) ceramic vases in light blue glaze. Geometric decoration. Mid-20th century. In excellent condition. Marked. Large vase: H 23.5 cm x D 1...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Ture Berglund, Vase, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A glass vase designed by True Berglund and produced by Skansen Glas, Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige and brown-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Karl Svensson Attribution, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed ceramic vase attributed to Karl Svensson for Höganäs, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige and green-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Bo Fajans, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A grey-glazed incised ceramic vase designed and produced by Bo Fajans, Gefle, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Artist Signed EtcheBengt Edenfalk Skrufd Crystal Vase Swedish Modern
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautiful signed by crystal Bengt Edenfalk Skruf vase was made in Sweden during the 1970s in a Mid-Century Modern style. excellent condition no chips or cracks, nice etching on bot...
Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Crystal

Stunning Strombergshyttan Etched Massive Glass Vase
Located in San Diego, CA
A masterful execution in this beautiful and large piece of Swedish art glass from Strombergshyttan Glass Company. On the front side is a beautiful girl's face, The glass has Stromber...
Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Swedish Designer, Vase, Yellow-Glazed Earthenware, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Swedish Designer, Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

White Art Deco Chamotte Vase Hedgehog by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand Sweden 1930s
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful white vase in chamotte stoneware. Art Deco / Swedish Grace. Designed by Gunnar Nylund in 1936 for Rorstrand, Sweden. Great condition. Some firing cracks (from production...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Stoneware Vase by Anja Jaatinen-Winqvist for Arabia, Finland, 1960s.
By Arabia, Anja Jaatinen, Arabia of Finland
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful and unique stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Made by Anja Jaatinen-Winqvist for Arabia, Finland, 1960s. Great condition. Incised signature "AIJ", "ARABIA", and "FINLAN...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Ture Berglund, Vase, Glass, Skansen Glas, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A green glass vase designed by Ture Berglund and produced by Skansen Glas, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

1920s Danish Ceramic Vase by Herman Kähler
Located in Örebro, SE
This is the 1920s Danish xx cm high ceramic vase by Herman Kähler. It comes with a baluster shaped body, high glossy surface and warm, very deep brown and green color on a cream whi...
Category

1920s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Nittsjö, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue-glazed earthenware vase with relief-ornamentation, designed and produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Saxbo Danish Ceramic Stoneware Vase
Located in Oakland, CA
Saxbo Danish ceramic, 1940 Denmark.
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A black and green-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Royal Copenaghen Scandinavian Midcentury Ceramic Vase and Bowl Set, 1950s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Scandinavian midcentury ceramic bowl or centerpiece and vase set with relief decoration produced by Royal Copenaghen, Denmark 1950s.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Upsala-Ekeby, Vase, Beige and Orange-Glazed Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige and orange, glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Scandinavian Modern vases for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern vases 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 vases created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, stoneware and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern vases 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 vases, popular names associated with this style include Rörstrand, Upsala Ekeby, Gunnar Nylund, and Gustavsberg. 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 vases differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $49 and tops out at $20,792 while the average work can sell for $1,110.

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