Vase

This Art Deco vase, produced by Birka Metall in Sweden during the 1930s, exemplifies the refined decorative sensibilities of early 20th-century Scandinavian metalwork. Constructed from bronze with brass detailing, the vase presents a harmonious blend of materials that was typical of the Art Deco period, where metallic contrasts and geometric clarity were celebrated.

The form of the vase is spherical, lending a sense of volume and symmetry that is subtly punctuated by a horizontal brass band at the midsection. This band serves not only as a decorative accent but also as a compositional device, dividing the surface and enhancing the visual rhythm of the piece. The surface of the bronze exhibits a deliberately textured finish, complemented by fine, linear engravings that provide tactile variation and reflect the influence of machine-age aesthetics without sacrificing handcrafted quality.

The rim of the vase is slightly flared and crisply defined, adding a sense of structural precision to the otherwise rounded form. This careful modulation between curved and linear elements is characteristic of Scandinavian interpretations of Art Deco, which often emphasized balance and material restraint over excessive ornamentation.

A warm, naturally developed patina covers the bronze, ranging in hue from deep brown to soft golden undertones. This surface quality not only attests to the age of the piece but also enhances its visual complexity, making each angle of view subtly different in texture and tone. The combination of patinated bronze and polished brass introduces both depth and contrast, underlining the skilled material handling associated with Birka Metall’s production.

Measuring 16.5 cm in height and 17 cm in diameter (6.5 × 6.7 inches), the vase possesses proportions that are simultaneously compact and robust, ideal for decorative display. Though the designer remains unidentified, the formal clarity and material sophistication point to a high standard of design consistent with Swedish decorative arts of the period.

This vase stands as a compelling artifact of Scandinavian Art Deco, reflecting a synthesis of sculptural form, surface treatment, and material dialogue that defines the era’s approach to functional yet decorative objects.