Carl-Harry Stålhane vase

This tall, slender ceramic vase was designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane and produced by Rörstrand in Sweden during the 1950s. With its graceful vertical proportions and softly tapering form, the piece reflects Stålhane’s refined modernist approach to studio ceramics during a pivotal period in Scandinavian design.

The vase is glazed in a speckled matte green surface with subtle mottling in ochre and brownish tones. The glaze application is evenly distributed across the surface, enhancing the fluidity of the silhouette and accentuating the subtle swelling of the body towards its midpoint before narrowing into an elongated neck with a gently flared mouth. The overall finish is smooth and satin-like, with soft transitions of color that evoke a painterly quality.

The condition is good vintage, with slight signs of age and use, including a minor patina consistent with mid-century ceramics. The base retains its original stamp indicating Rörstrand and the monogram of Carl-Harry Stålhane, providing clear provenance and confirming its authenticity.

Carl-Harry Stålhane (1920–1990) was one of Sweden’s most influential ceramic artists of the 20th century. Initially trained as a painter, he joined Rörstrand in the 1940s and eventually became artistic director of the factory. His work spans both utilitarian and studio ceramics, often distinguished by organic forms and restrained glazing techniques. Pieces like this vase represent the height of Swedish ceramic modernism, where industrial processes and individual artistry intersected.

Rörstrand, founded in 1726, is one of Europe’s oldest porcelain manufacturers. By the mid-20th century, it was renowned for producing both household ceramics and one-of-a-kind studio pieces under the guidance of artists like Stålhane and Gunnar Nylund. The 1950s were a particularly important decade for the company’s international recognition in design circles.

The dimensions of the vase are 55 cm in height and 13 cm in diameter (approximately 21.7 inches by 5.1 inches). With its combination of form, scale, and glazing technique, this piece exemplifies the sophisticated aesthetic of Scandinavian mid-century ceramic design.