Anna Petrus & Estrid Ericson bowl

Rare and early pewter bowl designed by Anna Petrus in collaboration with Estrid Ericson and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Stockholm, in 1927. Created during the formative years of Svenskt Tenn, this remarkable piece embodies the spirit of Swedish Grace, the influential Scandinavian design movement that bridged Nordic classicism and early modernism during the 1920s.

The bowl displays a low, wide form raised on a circular foot, distinguished by a pair of sculptural handles modelled as stylized serpents. The richly textured snake bodies curve elegantly upward, terminating in expressive heads that project beyond the rim. Between the handles, relief masks depicting female faces emerge from the vessel’s surface, introducing a mythological and almost archaic character. These decorative elements reflect Anna Petrus’s fascination with ancient cultures, symbolism, and sculptural ornament, themes that became central to her most celebrated works for Svenskt Tenn.

Executed in pewter, the vessel possesses a soft silvery tone enhanced by decades of natural oxidation and patination. The surface displays a varied character with subtle darkening, wear, and tonal shifts that emphasize the depth of the relief decoration and attest to its age. The combination of classical form, sculptural detailing, and restrained materiality is characteristic of the finest examples of Swedish Grace design, where craftsmanship and artistic expression were seamlessly integrated.

Anna Petrus was among the most important artistic collaborators during Svenskt Tenn’s early years and helped establish the company’s distinctive identity. Her works are highly sought after today for their bold sculptural qualities and historical significance. This bowl represents an early and uncommon example from the period, further enhanced by its documented date and original Svenskt Tenn marks to the underside.

The underside bears the Svenskt Tenn Stockholm stamp together with period hallmarks and model designation, confirming its authenticity and early production. The bowl remains in good vintage condition with signs of use, age-related wear, and a well-preserved patina consistent with nearly a century of careful ownership.

Width 25 cm (9.8 in.), Depth 20 cm (7.9 in.), Height 11 cm (4.3 in.).