Wilhelm Kåge vases

These stoneware vases, model Surrea, were designed by Wilhelm Kåge and produced by Gustavsberg in Sweden, exemplifying the experimental and sculptural direction of Swedish studio ceramics in the mid-20th century. Executed in high-fired stoneware, both vases are finished in a smooth Carrara glaze—a semi-matte, subtly variegated surface treatment that evokes the texture and tonality of marble. This glaze accentuates the dimensionality of the form while maintaining a soft, tactile presence.

The vases exhibit an organically bulbous silhouette with an asymmetrical composition. The surface is articulated with pronounced, sculptural ridges that divide the body into distinct lobes or segments, suggesting rhythmic motion and natural growth. This segmented structure imparts a sense of architectural mass balanced by fluidity, reflecting Kåge’s interest in biomorphic abstraction and his move away from strictly utilitarian ceramics toward more expressive and conceptually driven forms.

Wilhelm Kåge (1889–1960) served as the artistic director at Gustavsberg from 1917 to 1949 and played a central role in shaping modern Swedish ceramic aesthetics. While he is well known for his practical designs and the Argenta series, the Surrea series stands apart for its experimental character, combining surrealist influence with modernist principles. These works are marked by their sculptural ambition and are considered among Kåge’s most daring contributions to studio pottery.

Both vases are in excellent vintage condition, with minor signs of age and wear that are consistent with their provenance. Their matching form and glaze suggest they were produced as companion pieces or within the same firing batch, and their presence as a pair enhances their compositional and curatorial value. These pieces represent a significant moment in Scandinavian ceramic art, where material, form, and modernist vision intersect.