Olof Ahlberg dish

This large pewter dish was designed by Olof Ahlberg and produced by Schreuder & Olsson in Stockholm in 1971. The form is circular with a gently upturned rim and a shallow central well. The surface is sculpted with a flowing, organic texture reminiscent of wood grain or water currents, interspersed with small raised motifs that introduce a subtle narrative quality. The overall expression is tactile and graphic, relying on relief and surface modulation rather than applied ornament.

Executed in pewter, the dish has a soft silver-grey tone with a matte sheen that emphasizes the plasticity of the metal. Pewter was widely used in Scandinavian decorative arts throughout the 20th century, valued for its workability and ability to register fine sculptural detail. Ahlberg’s approach reflects a crossover between utilitarian object and low-relief sculpture, asserting the dish as both functional and aesthetic.

Olof Ahlberg was active within Swedish metal and decorative arts during the mid-century period, often working with naturalistic and stylized motifs. Schreuder & Olsson was among the Stockholm-based firms that supported artist-designed pewter objects into the late modern era, contributing to the broader Scandinavian tradition of refined metalwork.

The dish is in good vintage condition with signs of use consistent with age, including surface marks and light wear that complement the material’s patina.

Dimensions are Ø 36 × H 4 cm (14.2 × 1.6 inches)