Stig Lindberg vase

This rare ceramic vase, designed by Stig Lindberg in 1956 and produced by Gustavsberg in Sweden, exemplifies the refined artistry and innovation characteristic of mid-century Scandinavian ceramics. The form is distinctly ovoid, with a smooth, egg-shaped body that gently tapers upward into an intricately perforated top. This sculptural feature not only adds visual complexity but also introduces a sense of rhythm and lightness to the solid ceramic form.

The surface is finished in a gradient glaze that transitions organically from warm, earthy browns near the perforated top to cooler green and blue hues toward the base. This chromatic shift evokes a natural landscape palette and reflects Lindberg’s exploration of color modulation and glaze chemistry. The transitions are softly blended, allowing the vase to capture light in varying ways depending on the viewing angle, creating a delicate interplay of tone and reflection.

Measuring 9 cm in diameter and 19 cm in height (approximately 3.5 inches by 7.5 inches), the vase is compact in scale yet rich in visual presence. The glazing is expertly applied, with no disruptions in the surface, and the perforations are finely executed, underscoring the technical precision that defined Lindberg’s studio production.

Stig Lindberg (1916–1982) was one of Sweden’s most celebrated ceramic artists and industrial designers. Working primarily for Gustavsberg, he developed a wide range of experimental and decorative forms that blended playfulness with sophisticated craftsmanship. By the mid-1950s, Lindberg was deeply engaged in studio ceramics, often producing one-off or small-series pieces that demonstrated his technical and artistic range. His work from this period is highly regarded for its material sensitivity, formal innovation, and unique surface treatments.

Gustavsberg, where Lindberg served as artistic director, was a leading center for ceramic innovation in the 20th century. The studio division produced limited editions and exhibition-quality works, and was instrumental in advancing Swedish ceramic art on the international stage.

This vase remains in excellent vintage condition, with only minimal signs of age and use. Its form, surface treatment, and provenance place it among the more refined and collectible examples of Lindberg’s mid-century output.