Björn Trägårdh box

This rectangular lidded box is attributed to the Swedish designer Björn Trägårdh and was produced in 1934 by Svenskt Tenn, one of Sweden’s most significant design institutions. The box is fabricated primarily in pewter, a material favored in Scandinavian decorative arts during the interwar period for its subtle sheen and capacity for refined detail. The lid features brass inlays in LH, adding both decorative contrast and tactile interest to an otherwise minimal form. The composition adheres to the principles of Art Deco with its linearity and stylized ornamentation, while simultaneously embodying the restraint typical of early Scandinavian modernism.

The shape is strictly rectangular with sharp edges and flat surfaces. The lid opens on a rear-mounted hinge and reveals an unlined interior, consistent with the utilitarian yet elegant aesthetic of the time. The surface of the pewter has developed a soft patina, and the object is in excellent condition with only minor abrasions and surface wear commensurate with age. The underside is stamped with the hallmark of Svenskt Tenn, Stockholm, along with the model number and the traditional Swedish pewter control mark.

Björn Trägårdh, active during the 1930s and 1940s, was a multidisciplinary designer who collaborated extensively with Estrid Ericson at Svenskt Tenn. While much of his work is overshadowed by contemporaries such as Josef Frank, his designs remain highly regarded for their architectural clarity and refined use of materials. This box is representative of his stylistic alignment with European modernism and the influence of Bauhaus principles interpreted through Swedish materials and craftsmanship.

The dimensions of the box are 26 cm in length, 10.5 cm in width, and 3.5 cm in height, which corresponds approximately to 10.24 inches by 4.13 inches by 1.38 inches.