Oscar Antonsson box

This rare and historically significant decorative box, titled “Hästbetvingaren” (The Horse Tamer), was designed by Swedish sculptor Oscar Antonsson and produced by Ystad Metall in the 1930s. The piece exemplifies the Swedish Grace movement—a Nordic interpretation of Art Deco marked by its classical themes, geometric purity, and artisanal material use.

The box is constructed in solid bronze with a high-polished golden finish. It features a rectangular form with a flat lid and rests on a base with subtle stepped feet. The top of the lid is surmounted by a sculptural frieze in relief, representing a stylized, muscular horse and a heroic male figure engaged in a dynamic confrontation, echoing themes from Greek or Roman mythology. The stylization, with its simplified volumes and rhythmic silhouette, aligns with the ideals of Swedish Grace—merging modernist clarity with historical reference and craftsmanship.

The interior is lined with mahogany, contrasting the metallic exterior with warm, natural wood tones. The interior finish and the architectural balance of the composition emphasize the dual function of this object as both a utility piece and an artistic collectible.

Oscar Antonsson (1898–1960) was a Swedish sculptor known for his public works and decorative commissions in bronze. His work often explored expressive human and animal forms in a style that blended neoclassical and modernist influences. The model for this box was exhibited at the Stockholm Exhibition of 1930, a landmark event that introduced Swedish functionalist and modernist design to an international audience. The exhibition’s influence can be seen in this piece’s crisp lines, formal restraint, and classical narrative.

The producer, Ystad Metall, was a prominent Swedish manufacturer of decorative brass and bronze objects active throughout the early 20th century. Known for collaborations with major Swedish designers and artists, Ystad Metall played a significant role in shaping the aesthetics of Swedish Grace.

Dimensions: Width 21 cm (8.27 inches), Depth 12 cm (4.72 inches), Height 19.5 cm (7.68 inches).