Arthur Andersson floor vase

This rare and substantial floor vase was designed by Arthur Andersson and produced by Wallåkra Stenkärlsfabrik in Sweden during the 1950s. It exemplifies mid-century Scandinavian ceramic design through a blend of artisanal craftsmanship and decorative surface innovation characteristic of the postwar period.

The vase features a vertically oriented, slightly tapering ovoid body topped by a compact, flaring neck with a rounded rim. Its balanced proportions and substantial presence make it well suited for floor display or as a sculptural interior accent. The glaze palette is dominated by warm, earthy hues—from ochre to dark brown—with alternating horizontal bands of crosshatched textures contrasted by smooth glazed areas. This rhythmic surface treatment enhances the tactile quality and reflects the handmade nature of the piece.

Layered glazes transition subtly between matte and semi-gloss finishes, while incised and impressed patterns reveal the natural clay tone beneath the darker surface. The vase is crafted from dense salt-glazed stoneware, fired in traditional wood-burning kilns using local clay sourced near Skåne, where Wallåkra is based.

Signed “Wallåkra” and marked with the artist’s initials on the underside, the vase measures 50 cm in height and 23 cm in diameter (19.7 x 9 inches). It is in stable condition, showing no visible cracks or restorations, with typical kiln marks and firing variations on the base.

Arthur Andersson’s work helped position Wallåkra as a studio ceramics leader during the 1950s, combining the factory’s utilitarian legacy with a modernist, expressive aesthetic that enriched Scandinavian ceramic art.