Carl-Harry Stålhane vase

This ceramic vase was designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane and produced by Rörstrand in Sweden during the 1950s. It features an elegant teardrop-shaped body with a smoothly tapering neck and a narrow, slightly flared mouth. The proportions of the vase are harmonious and well-balanced, with a wide lower body that gradually ascends into a slender upper section, creating a profile that is both stately and refined.

The surface treatment of the vase mimics the appearance of woodgrain, with a vertically oriented streaked glaze that transitions through shades of medium to dark brown. This effect emphasizes the verticality of the form while adding a tactile, naturalistic texture to the ceramic. The glaze is satin to semi-gloss in finish, giving the surface a soft sheen without being reflective. The base is signed with the Rörstrand hallmark, Carl-Harry Stålhane’s monogram “CHS” and the model designation “SYA” indicating its origin in the artist’s series production.

Carl-Harry Stålhane was one of the most important postwar ceramic artists in Sweden, known for his sculptural sensibility and for introducing sophisticated glazing techniques to industrial production. As artistic director of Rörstrand following Gunnar Nylund, he carried forward the studio’s commitment to craftsmanship while pushing formal and material boundaries. His works from the 1950s are often inspired by both East Asian ceramic traditions and the Scandinavian emphasis on natural form and subdued coloration.

Rörstrand, one of Europe’s most historic ceramics manufacturers, was at the forefront of Scandinavian modern design throughout the mid-20th century. Their collaboration with designers like Stålhane resulted in works that blended artistic integrity with industrial precision, shaping a distinct aesthetic that influenced international ceramics during the postwar period.

This piece is in good vintage condition, showing signs of use and surface wear consistent with age. The glaze remains well-preserved, and the form is intact without structural damage.

The vase measures 11.5 cm in diameter and 28 cm in height, corresponding approximately to 4.53 inches in diameter and 11.02 inches in height.