Wilhelm Kåge vase

This rare ceramic vase from the Farsta series was designed by Wilhelm Kåge and produced by Gustavsberg in Sweden in 1956. Crafted in stoneware, the vase features a semi-matte running glaze with a palette ranging from deep oceanic blues at the neck to lighter, speckled turquoise tones around the rounded body. The glaze pools and drips over the raw reddish-brown clay at the base, revealing areas of the unglazed foot and highlighting the vase’s handcrafted nature. The form is bottle-shaped, with a rounded body tapering into a long, narrow neck that flares slightly at the mouth—an iconic silhouette within the Farsta series.

Wilhelm Kåge, Gustavsberg’s artistic director from 1917 to 1949, continued to produce limited edition studio ceramics after his tenure, including the Farsta line, named after the southern Stockholm district where Gustavsberg’s studio was located. The Farsta series is celebrated for its experimental glazes and sculptural forms, balancing rustic elements with refined elegance. Each piece was handmade, ensuring unique variations and visible evidence of craftsmanship.

The base bears multiple marks, including the Gustavsberg studio mark, the inscription “Farsta,” and Kåge’s incised signature, along with an original Gustavsberg paper label. The vase is in very good condition, with minimal wear and no visible chips or cracks.

Measuring 13.5 centimeters (5.3 inches) in diameter and 35 centimeters (13.8 inches) in height, this vase stands as a distinguished example of mid-century Swedish studio ceramics, reflecting Kåge’s innovative artistry and Gustavsberg’s legacy.