Edvin Ollers jar

This pewter jar with lid was designed by Edvin Ollers and produced in Sweden in 1938. It demonstrates Ollers’ characteristically refined approach to form, favoring restrained elegance and geometric clarity, which distinguished his work within early 20th-century Scandinavian design.

The vessel is cast in solid pewter and features a symmetrical, faceted body composed of vertical fluted sections that alternate between soft curves and angular ridges. The form transitions to a narrow cylindrical neck and a flat, circular lid that rests flush atop the opening. The surface is subtly textured and matte, with a consistent silvery-gray tone that enhances the clean sculptural lines. The base is scalloped and slightly raised, contributing to the visual lift of the otherwise solid mass.

The jar is in good vintage condition with minor signs of usage and a developed patina appropriate to its age. The pewter shows light surface oxidation in some areas, characteristic of untreated alloy, but there are no major dents or structural damage. The base bears several clear markings, including the Gustaf Tenn and Edvin Ollers maker’s marks, a hallmark of Swedish production, and the year code for 1938.

Edvin Ollers (1888–1959) was a prominent Swedish designer, painter, and decorative artist. His metalwork, particularly in pewter, is known for blending functional modernist principles with subtle decorative touches. Ollers was a key figure in the Swedish Grace movement, a transitional style between classicism and functionalism that flourished in Scandinavia during the interwar period. His works reflect a focus on craftsmanship, material honesty, and quiet ornament.

The piece was produced during a time when Swedish decorative arts were moving away from ornate historicism toward a more pared-down, material-driven aesthetic. This object encapsulates that shift, balancing ornamental form with functional purpose.

The dimensions of the jar are 13 cm in height and 10 cm in diameter (approximately 5.1 inches by 3.9 inches). As a decorative object, it stands as a representative example of early modern Scandinavian metalwork and the industrial refinement characteristic of Ollers’ oeuvre.