Estrid Ericson vase

This rare vase, designed by Estrid Ericson and produced by Svenskt Tenn in 1936, is a finely crafted example of early 20th-century Swedish decorative arts. Made of pewter, the piece exemplifies Ericson’s distinctive approach to form—merging geometric structure with intricate surface decoration—and her broader role in shaping the aesthetic identity of Svenskt Tenn during the interwar period.

The vase is hexagonal in plan, a shape that provides both structural clarity and visual rhythm. Each of its six panels is adorned with repeating geometric patterns in low relief, forming a continuous decorative surface that wraps around the body of the vessel. These motifs are carefully balanced—bold enough to assert a graphic presence, yet refined in scale to maintain harmony across the form. The patterning is deeply pressed into the pewter surface, allowing natural patina to settle into the recesses, accentuating the contrast between light and shadow.

The overall color of the vase is a soft, muted silver-grey, characteristic of aged pewter. Over time, the surface has developed darker tones in the recessed areas of the pattern, giving the object a sense of depth and highlighting its hand-worked nature. The form tapers slightly toward the top, creating a gentle visual lift, while the flat upper rim maintains the geometric integrity of the design.

Condition is very good vintage, with minor wear consistent with its age. The pewter retains its integrity, and the decorative work remains sharp and well-defined. Small surface marks and signs of handling are present but serve to reinforce the authenticity and age of the piece without detracting from its overall presentation.

Estrid Ericson (1894–1981), founder of Svenskt Tenn in 1924, was instrumental in defining the language of Swedish modernism. Her work bridged the transition from the ornamental elegance of Swedish Grace to a more modern, functionalist sensibility. Ericson’s designs, while often understated in form, exhibit meticulous attention to material and surface, blending utility with decorative sophistication. This vase reflects those values—a balance of purpose and ornament that is emblematic of her broader legacy.

The dimensions of the vase are 8.5 cm in width, 8 cm in depth, and 15.5 cm in height (3.3 x 3.1 x 6.1 inches), making it compact yet sculpturally assertive. It serves equally well as a functional vessel or as a collectible artifact of Swedish design history, representing the elegance and craftsmanship of Svenskt Tenn during a formative period in its development.