Cast iron urn

This rare urn, titled “Barockurnan” was produced by Näfveqvarns Bruk in Sweden in 1921. It is executed in cast iron and represents a continuation of the foundry’s early 20th-century efforts to recreate and reinterpret historical models of garden urns. Beginning in 1919, Näfveqvarn manufactured urns and other cast-iron pieces based on Baroque and Renaissance examples, with forms borrowed from the collections of the Nordic Museum in Stockholm. The Baroque urn is among the most recognizable of these reinterpretations.

The vessel is decorated with swirling acanthus-inspired reliefs, typical of Baroque ornamentation, emphasizing movement and dynamic surface play. The handles are integrated into the ornamentation, curling outward in scroll-like forms, giving the urn both structural balance and stylistic coherence. Its low, wide body sits on a solid circular foot, allowing it to function as both a decorative centerpiece and a utilitarian garden vessel. The cast iron shows a naturally weathered patina with subtle variations in surface tone, reflecting its materiality and age.

Näfveqvarns Bruk, founded in the 17th century, was Sweden’s foremost foundry for architectural and decorative cast iron. In the early 20th century, the foundry collaborated with leading architects and designers, while also delving into historical revivals such as the Barockurnan. These pieces were often placed in public parks, gardens, and estates, where their combination of durability and ornament made them ideal for outdoor use.

The Barockurnan exemplifies the revivalist trend in early 20th-century Scandinavian decorative arts, where industrial craftsmanship was paired with historical reference to create objects of cultural and artistic continuity. This urn not only embodies the decorative richness of the Baroque style but also reflects Sweden’s broader interest in historicism during the period.

It is preserved in good vintage condition, with signs of usage and age-appropriate surface wear. Its dimensions are 39 cm in width, 32 cm in depth, and 23 cm in height (approximately 15.4 x 12.6 x 9 inches).