Carl-Harry Stålhane vase

This rare ceramic vase, designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane and produced by Rörstrand in Sweden, is an exemplary piece of mid-20th-century Scandinavian ceramic design. With its slender, elongated form and carefully balanced proportions, the vase reflects Stålhane’s signature aesthetic—rooted in modernist restraint, natural inspiration, and a deep understanding of materials and glazes.

The vase’s silhouette is elegant and vertical, tapering upward from a narrow base to a subtly flared mouth. This gently expanding profile gives the piece a poised, almost architectural presence, while retaining a sense of organic softness. The proportions are carefully resolved, allowing the vase to function equally well as a decorative object or as a vessel for flowers or branches.

The surface is finished in a matte glaze composed of layered earthy tones—predominantly green, beige, and brown—with subtle speckling and gradation that evoke natural textures such as stone, bark, or weathered wood. The glaze has a tactile, woodgrain-like effect, a hallmark of Stålhane’s innovative glaze work during his time at Rörstrand. These surface qualities add visual depth and emphasize the handcrafted character of the piece.

Carl-Harry Stålhane (1920–1990) was a leading figure in Swedish ceramics and served as artistic director at Rörstrand following Gunnar Nylund. He is known for introducing a more restrained, sculptural quality to the factory’s production and for his technical experimentation with glazes and surface treatments. This vase embodies his ability to combine modern form with traditional craftsmanship, producing works that feel both contemporary and timeless.

The vase remains in excellent condition, free of chips, cracks, or repairs. The glaze is intact, showing no signs of flaking or discoloration. The underside of the vase bears the appropriate factory markings, including the Rörstrand logo, Carl-Harry Stålhane’s signature, and the designation “Sweden,” ensuring its authenticity and origin.

The dimensions are 7 cm in diameter and 31 cm in height, corresponding to approximately 2.8 inches in diameter and 12.2 inches in height.