Jar

This pewter jar, produced by Guldsmedsaktiebolaget (GAB) in Sweden in 1934, is a refined example of Scandinavian Art Deco metalwork that merges understated ornamentation with functional form. Constructed from pewter, the jar features a restrained cylindrical silhouette, defined by a series of fine horizontal linear incisions that wrap around the body. These subtle bands add a rhythmic texture to the surface, breaking the otherwise smooth geometry and reflecting the era’s focus on minimalist decoration through precision detailing.

The jar is capped with a well-fitted lid, centered by a polished spherical knob that serves both a practical and aesthetic function. This detail introduces a contrasting form to the linear composition of the jar’s body and evokes a sense of completeness and symmetry. The knob’s curvature stands in quiet opposition to the flat horizontal emphasis of the base, reinforcing the balance typical of the Art Deco style as interpreted in the Nordic region.

The pewter surface has developed a natural patina with time, presenting a soft, matte finish marked by mild tonal variations and small surface imperfections consistent with careful age and use. These characteristics enhance the historical integrity of the piece, revealing its decades-long presence while retaining structural clarity and visual appeal.

Stamped on the underside with the GAB hallmark, the jar is authenticated as a product of one of Sweden’s foremost 20th-century producers of decorative metalware. GAB was widely recognized for its commitment to quality and its role in advancing Swedish design through collaborations with noted designers and craftsmen. Items produced during the 1930s particularly reflect a transition from ornamental historicism to modernist clarity, and this jar exemplifies that movement.

Measuring 10.5 cm in diameter and 13 cm in height (4.1 × 5.1 inches), the jar is compact yet substantial in its proportions. It functions as a utilitarian container while also serving as a decorative object that embodies the synthesis of craftsmanship and modern design values. This piece is representative of Swedish Art Deco’s distinctive blend of material honesty, geometric restraint, and quiet elegance.