Sven Wejsfelt floor vase

This large floor vase by Sven Wejsfelt measures 49 cm in height with a maximum diameter of 22 cm, presenting an elongated ovoid form that tapers gently into a narrow cylindrical neck before flaring outward into a subtly rounded rim. The overall silhouette is both stately and serene, its graceful curves recalling classical amphora shapes while retaining a distinctly modern sensibility.

The surface is cloaked in a semi-matte glaze that shifts from a warm, earthy brown at the neck through a soft gradient into a textured cerulean blue across the body. A series of fine, vertical striations in the glaze evokes the feel of natural veining or brush-dragging, lending the piece a dynamic depth as light moves over the surface. The transition between hues is seamless, suggesting a carefully controlled dipping or spraying technique characteristic of skilled studio practice.

Wheel-thrown with exacting precision, the vase’s clay body bears the hallmarks of high-fired stoneware: a sturdy yet refined material that offers both durability and a pleasing tactile weight. The unglazed base reveals a warm, reddish-beige clay, stamped with the Gustavsberg studio mark, inscribed “UNIK” and hand-signed with the artist’s monogram alongside the year “1987”. These markings affirm the vase’s status as a one-off studio piece rather than a serial production item.

Sven Wejsfelt (born 1930) was a leading figure at Gustavsberg during the later twentieth century, working in the shadow of masters like Berndt Friberg and Stig Lindberg while developing his own language of form and surface. His work is celebrated for its architectural clarity and nuanced glazes, often exploring the interplay of color gradients and textural detail. Gustavsberg itself, a cornerstone of Swedish ceramics since the early 1800s, fostered an environment in the 1980s where individual artists could experiment freely, yielding unique pieces such as this vase.

The condition of this vase is excellent. There are no visible chips, cracks, or restorations. The glaze surface shows only the faintest, incidental handling marks consistent with careful display. The crispness of the form and the integrity of the glaze transition remain fully intact, preserving both the technical precision and the expressive color modulation that define Wejsfelt’s late-modern studio work.