Jar

This uncommon circular jar was produced in Sweden in the style of Pierre Forssell, during the 1960s. It is constructed in brass and fitted with a pyrite inlay on the top.

The jar has a low cylindrical body with plain vertical sides and a narrow raised rim. Its circular lid is mounted on an offset pivot, allowing it to rotate horizontally over the opening instead of being lifted away in the conventional manner. When closed, the lid aligns closely with the body and creates a compact, continuous profile. The concealed pivot and absence of an external handle preserve the object’s minimal geometry.

The lid contains a polished pyrite inlay set within a narrow brass border. The mineral surface has an irregular granular pattern of metallic grey, charcoal and muted gold tones. Pyrite is an iron sulfide mineral with a naturally reflective metallic structure. Here, its visually complex surface contrasts with the comparatively smooth and uniform brass body.

The interior is lined in deep red textile, with a narrow black retaining ribbon crossing the base. The soft lining indicates that the jar was intended to hold small personal or decorative objects while limiting direct contact with the metal. The black ribbon may have served to secure or lift an item originally associated with the container, although its precise intended use is not documented.

The object’s restrained circular form, concealed mechanism and emphasis on contrasting materials place it within the Scandinavian modern design tradition of the 1960s. Its relationship to Pierre Forssell’s work is stylistic, particularly in the reduction of the form to simple geometry and the treatment of brass as both a structural and decorative material.

The jar is in good vintage condition, with small signs of use consistent with its age. The brass displays light scratches, handling marks, discoloration and naturally developed patination. Minor wear is present on the pyrite surface and interior lining. The rotating lid mechanism remains part of the original construction.

The jar measures 15.5 cm in diameter × 4 cm high, corresponding to approximately 6.1 inches in diameter × 1.6 inches high.