Estrid Ericson jar

This lidded jar was designed by Estrid Ericson and produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden in 1944. The object is executed in pewter with brass accents and exemplifies the Swedish Grace style, a decorative movement active between the 1910s and 1940s that emphasized elegant refinement, classicism, and artisanal craftsmanship. The jar has a cylindrical form with a finely hand-hammered texture covering the entire surface, inspired by Captain Sigfrid Ericson’s Panama hat.

The form is compact and geometrically pure, comprising a round body, flat circular lid, and a central finial in the form of a horizontally oriented cylinder with exposed brass ends. Both the lid and the base are encircled by smooth brass rims, contrasting visually with the darker, textured pewter body and highlighting the precision of the construction. The lid fits seamlessly onto the body, indicating careful attention to functional detail. The interior remains in clean, unused condition, and the piece overall shows very minimal signs of wear, retaining an excellent level of surface finish.

Estrid Ericson, founder of Svenskt Tenn in 1924, was a pioneering Swedish designer and entrepreneur. She played a formative role in establishing the company’s visual language and was particularly influential in developing a Scandinavian interpretation of international decorative movements such as Art Deco and Swedish Grace. While she is perhaps best known for her collaborations with Josef Frank, Ericson’s own works are marked by a refined formal language and the integration of high-quality materials into everyday objects.

The base is stamped with the hallmark of Svenskt Tenn, Stockholm and year number “S8”. This piece is characteristic of mid-1940s Svenskt Tenn production, with a restrained decorative profile that balances artisanal tradition with modern elegance.

The dimensions of the jar are 11.5 cm in diameter and 11 cm in height, equivalent to approximately 4.53 inches in diameter and 4.33 inches in height.