Arthur Andersson floor vase

This rare floor vase was designed by Swedish ceramicist Arthur Andersson and produced by Wallåkra Stenkärlsfabrik in Sweden during the 1950s. It embodies the robust craftsmanship and earthy character typical of mid-century Scandinavian stoneware, merging traditional techniques with a modernist aesthetic.

The vase features a tall, gently tapering teardrop silhouette with a narrow circular opening, emphasizing vertical elegance. Its surface is coated in a deep, lustrous black glaze intricately incised with a repeated zigzag pattern, revealing the natural reddish-brown stoneware beneath. This contrast enhances both visual depth and tactile interest, creating dynamic interplay between light and shadow over the rounded form.

Measuring 46 cm in height and 25 cm in diameter (18.1 x 9.8 inches), the vase stands as a striking sculptural piece ideal for floor display. The base carries the impressed “Wallåkra” mark, affirming its authenticity. A firing crack is visible at the base, typical of artisanal kiln conditions, yet it does not affect the vase’s structural integrity.

Arthur Andersson’s work at Wallåkra is noted for blending traditional clay forms with innovative surface treatments, reflecting a mid-century Scandinavian modernist ethos. Wallåkra Stenkärlsfabrik’s historic use of local clay and wood-fired kilns reinforces the piece’s connection to Swedish ceramic heritage.

This vase represents a harmonious fusion of artistic expression and utilitarian form, characteristic of Scandinavian design’s commitment to materiality and timeless craftsmanship.