Svend Gydesen jar

This cylindrical silver jar was designed by Svend Gydesen and produced by Einar Dragsted in Denmark during the 1950s. It is executed in solid sterling silver and carries Dragsted’s hallmark along with the Danish silver mark and the text “STERLING DENMARK”. The jar exemplifies the refined craftsmanship and decorative sensibility characteristic of Danish silversmithing in the mid-20th century.

The surface features a continuous, repeating pattern of interlocking organic motifs in shallow relief, creating a rhythmic texture that gives the cylindrical form visual depth. The lid sits flush with the body, maintaining the jar’s clean geometric profile. The silver has developed a soft, even patina with slight variations in tone, enhancing the depth of the ornamentation. The interior shows darkened silver consistent with age and use. The jar remains in good vintage condition with minor signs of wear.

Svend Gydesen was a Danish designer active during the postwar period, known for his contributions to modernist Scandinavian silverware that combined functional form with delicate ornamentation. Einar Dragsted, founded in Copenhagen in the early 20th century, became one of Denmark’s leading silversmiths, known for high-quality craftsmanship and collaborations with prominent designers. Their work aligns with the broader Danish modern movement, emphasizing timeless design and material integrity.

This piece reflects mid-century Scandinavian style through its restrained geometry, naturalistic patterning, and tactile silver surface. It may have been intended as a small storage jar or cigarette holder, typical of Dragsted’s production of refined yet utilitarian silver objects for domestic use.

Dimensions: 6 cm in diameter (2.36 inches) and 8 cm in height (3.15 inches).