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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
Stoneware Vase by Swedish Ceramist Claes Thell
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase made by Claes Thell, in the Artist's studio, Höganäs, Sweden. Large with amazing glaze! Excellent condition. Signed Thell '93. Claes Thell is a Swedi...
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware, Ceramic

White Carrara Vase by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful 'Swedish Modern' stoneware vase with 'Carrara' glaze. Made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg in Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. Stamped 'Gustavsberg / CARRARA'. Wilhelm ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Timo Sarpaneva Cardinal s Hat for Iittala in Greenish Gray Colour, 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

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

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

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

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Carl-Harry Stålhane, Vase, Green Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A green glazed stoneware vase designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Arthur Andersson, Vase, Brown and Black Glazed Stoneware Wallåkra, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A black and brown glazed stoneware vase designed by Arthur Andersson and produced by Wallåkra, Sweden, 1950s.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Unique Vase by Anna-Lisa Thomson. Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Malmö, SE
A unique and beautiful vase with amazing green glaze. Designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s. Excellent condition. Impressed 'EKEBY'. Anna-Lisa Thomson (190...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware

Upsala-Ekeby, Vase, Black and Orange-Glazed Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A black and orange, 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 cream-white and green-glazed fluted vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

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

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

1970s Benny Motzfeldt (1909-1996) for PLUS Norway, Scandinavian Art Glass Bowl
Located in Skien, NO
Mid-Century Modern Art Glass Bowl by Benny Motzfeldt for PLUS Norway (1970s) This striking art glass bowl, designed by the renowned Norwegian artist Benny Motzfeldt (Åsen 1909 - Osl...
Category

1970s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

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

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Brown Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, 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

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

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Syco Keramik, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed ceramic vase designed and produced by Syco Keramik, Sweden, c. 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

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

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Gertrud Lönegren, Vase, White-Glazed Stoneware, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A white-glazed stoneware vase designed by Getrud Lönegren and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Motala Keramik, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue-glazed ceramic vase designed and produced by Motala Keramik, Sweden, 1930s
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Hjördis Oldfors, Vase, Blue-Glazed Earthenware, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue-glazed earthenware vase designed by Hjordis Oldfors and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1960s.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Vilhelm Bjerke Petersen 3 Ceramic Pieces with Abstract Designs, Rorstrand Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Vilhelm Berke Petersen group of 3 Rorstrand ceramic pieces in black and blue with abstract designs. Made at Rorstrand, Sweden 1950's. Petersen studied under artists Paul Klee and ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Gefle, Vase or Bottle, Green-Glazed Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed earthenware vase or bottle, with a stopper. Design and production attributed to Gefle, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Early Tapio Wirkkala "Winter Journey" Tall White Porcelain Vase
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Tall Tapio Wirkkala, Rut Bryk "Winterreise" White Porcelain Vase for Rosenthal. Circa 1980. Featuring a flared polygonal column form on 3.75D base with winter landscape Black line d...
Category

1980s German Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Porcelain

Large Scandinavian Modern Ceramic Vase, Bold Pattern by Ewald Dahlskog Bo Fajans
Located in New York, NY
Large Swedish Art Deco ceramic vase with a raised bold pattern in a golden glaze on a grayish blue background. Designed by artist Ewald Dahlskog for Bo Fajans circa 1930's. Measures:...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

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

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Hugo Gehlin, Freeform Vase, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
By Hugo Gehlin
Located in High Point, NC
A freeform blue-coloured glass vase designed by Hugo Gehlin and produced by Gulaskruf, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Blown Glass

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

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
An off-white glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s. Production-related absence of glaze to upper rim.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Edgar Böckman, Organic Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A high gloss blue-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Edgar Böckman, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Gunnar Borg, Small Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A small brown-glazed stoneware vase designed and produced by Gunnar Borg, Höganäs, Sweden, c. 1960s. “STENGODS” “HÖGANAS” signature on bottom
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Höganäs, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige and black-glazed stoneware vase designed and produced by Höganäs Keramik, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Danish Designer, Vase, Light Brown Glazed Stoneware, Denmark, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A light brown glazed stoneware vase designed and produced in Denmark, 1970s.
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A grey and brown-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940s. “GN SWEDEN” stamp on bottom
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

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

Andersson Johansson, Vase, Glazed Stoneware, Höganäs, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brown and green, glazed stoneware vase designed and produced by Andersson & Johansson, Höganäs, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Arne Bang, Vase, Brown Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brown stoneware vase designed and produced by Arne Bang, Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

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

Andersson Johansson, Vase, Glazed Stoneware, Höganäs, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige, orange and green, glazed stoneware vase designed and produced by Andersson & Johansson, Höganäs, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

White and Gold Surrea Vase by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful 'Guldsurrea' stoneware vase with 'Carrara' glaze and gold details. Made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg Studio in Sweden, 1950s. Good condition. Some tiny firing spots a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

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

Earthy Colored set of Ceramic Vessels by Drejargruppen, Sweden 1974
Located in Barcelona, ES
Two charming ceramic vessels designed by Drejargruppen for Rörstrand in 1974. Earthy colors, boho chic, wabi sabi. Size refers to plate.
Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Anna Lisa Thomson, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A green and orange-glazed earthenware vase, designed by Anna Lisa Thomson and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Upsala-Ekeby, Blue-Glazed Earthenware, Sweden, c. 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An aquamarine blue, glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

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

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

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

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

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

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

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

Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful stoneware vase by Berndt Friberg, in an elegant, cylinder form. Glazed warm yellow hare’s fur glaze. Berndt Friberg was a Swedish ceramicist, renowned for his stoneware va...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

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

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

Danish Designer, Vase, Stoneware, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A fluted, green-glazed stoneware vase, designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s.
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

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, c. 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Nittsjö, Vase or Pitcher, 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

Andersson Johansson, Vase, Glazed Stoneware, Höganäs, Sweden 1920s
Located in High Point, NC
A brown, glazed stoneware vase designed and produced by Andersson & Johansson, Höganäs, Sweden, c. 1920s.
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Blue Vase by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with blue glaze. Made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg Studio in Sweden. In production 1958-1962. Good condition. Some spots in the glaze and some metal mar...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Bronze Art Deco Vase by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful bronze vase with amazing patina. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition, with only a few light scratches. Stamped 'BRONS' and makers mark.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Bronze

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

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Green Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A green glazed stoneware pitcher designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Kaj Franck / GOBLET(Unique Piece) / Nuutajarvi
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
Kaj Franck is known for his functional, simple designs that are often referred to as the ‘conscience of Finland’, and his products are characterised by their use of colour without an...
Category

1970s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass

Scandinavian Modern Unique Large Stoneware Floor Vase, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Amazing large handmade ceramic sculptural vase made in Denmark in the 1960s. Made in chamotte clay and partly glazed in earth colored glazing.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Stoneware

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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