Modern Svenskt Tenn, Pitcher, Pewter, Sweden, c. 1940s
About the Item
- Creator:Svenskt Tenn (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 6.75 in (17.15 cm)Diameter: 5.5 in (13.97 cm)
- Style:Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1940
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. original condition, has a few small dents.
- Seller Location:Miami, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1888339523702
Svenskt Tenn
Today, the name Svenskt Tenn is associated around the world with the vibrant, modernist textiles and furniture of Josef Frank, who was the Swedish company’s chief designer in the mid-20th century. But the term “svenskt tenn” actually means “Swedish pewter,” and the very first goods the company sold were stylish pewter objects, such as an elegant 1927 candelabra found in the collection of the Saint Louis Art Museum, or a sleek, understated mirror in the collection of the National Museum of Fine Arts. These pieces were designed to appeal to discerning but price-conscious shoppers in 1920s-era Stockholm.
Art teacher and interior designer Estrid Ericson (1894–1981) partnered with pewter artisan Nils Fougstedt (1881–1954) to establish Svenskt Tenn in 1924, and their creations quickly gained a reputation for high quality and affordability, winning a gold medal at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris in 1925 — the design fair that brought global attention to the Art Deco style.
The experience of renovating her own apartment in the 1920s exposed Ericson to Swedish functionalism — or funkis, as it was known in Sweden — a branch of modernism that advocated uncomplicated forms, subdued colors and utility. She was inspired to open an interior design department at Svenskt Tenn, and in 1930 the firm introduced its first line of furniture.
Selections included items produced by the companies Gemla and Bodafors, as well as original designs by Ericson and the architects Uno Åhrén and Björn Trägårdh, who had worked together on the redesign and expansion of the showroom. The trio’s furniture was displayed at Stockholm’s Galleri Modern in 1931, where it was met with praise from critic Gotthard Johansson, a leading proponent of Swedish functionalism. Johansson admired the “pure lines” and “modern austerity” of the furniture, establishing Svenskt Tenn as an important voice in Swedish design.
But the signature partnership that would come to define the look of Svenskt Tenn was in part the result of political turmoil and the emergence of Nazism in Europe. When Josef Frank fled Vienna for Stockholm in 1933, he was already an accomplished architect who questioned modernist orthodoxy in design. He disliked tubular steel furniture and believed that monochromatic surfaces were distressing to viewers, while pattern and ornament gave interiors a sense of warmth and calm. Ericson was an admirer of Frank’s work, and offered him the chance to design products for Svenskt Tenn. Their professional partnership, particularly in textile design, would eventually become one of the hallmarks of Swedish modernism.
Frank and Ericson collaborated from 1934 until Frank’s death in 1967, with Frank creating unmistakable, bold designs and Ericson employing her flair for interiors, merchandising and display. The pair called their shared approach “Accidentism” or “The Happy Chances Philosophy,” mixing and matching the new and antique, the serious with the playful and pattern with solid colors to find eclectic new combinations in their showroom.
Frank’s textiles are like a visual catalogue of exotic plants and flowers, geological formations and maps, inspired in part by Ericson’s world travels and by Frank’s love of folk art. Svenskt Tenn continues to sell fabric, wallpaper and household goods, many of which sport variations of Frank's signature botanical motifs. Antique and vintage Svenskt Tenn pewter, lighting, furniture, textiles and decorative objects are generally priced anywhere from $2,500 to $25,000 depending on scale and condition.
The tenets of Scandinavian modernism are as fresh and relevant now as they were in the 1950s — light-filled and airy rooms with white walls are perfect settings for comfortable furniture upholstered in one of Josef Frank’s indelible patterns, and nearly a century since its founding, the signature aesthetic of Svenskt Tenn remains as distinctive and timeless as ever.
Find antique and vintage Svenskt Tenn mirrors, seating, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Miami, FL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- Exceptional Josef Frank Chest of Drawers, Cabinet, Svenskt Tenn, Mahogany, BrassBy Josef Frank, Svenskt TennLocated in Miami, FLBeautiful chest of drawers by Josef Frank, Mahogany and Brass pulls, six drawers. Cabinet has age-related wear. We will have it refinished for the buyer. Great piece of Swedish Moder...Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsBrass
- Beautiful Ottomans, Stools in Josef Frank Anakreon Fabric by Svenskt TennLocated in Miami, FLPair of beautiful Ottomans covered in Josef Frank Anakreon Fabric by Svenskt Tenn. Each ottoman has four apple shaped wood feet with mahogany stain finish. Ready for a new home.Category
Early 2000s American Modern Ottomans and Poufs
MaterialsFabric, Wood
- 1940's Kittinger Mandarin Greek Key NightstandBy KittingerLocated in Miami, FLKittinger Mandarin Greek Key Nightstand, cream color lacquer and black pulls. Ready for a new home. Nightstand is not signed. Matching Dresser av...Category
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsWood
- 1940's Kittinger Mandarin Greek Key Six Drawer DresserBy KittingerLocated in Miami, FLKittinger Mandarin Greek Key Six Drawer Dresser, cream color lacquer and black pulls. Ready for a new home. Dresser is not signed. Matching Nightstand available.Category
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWood
- Bröderna Miller Rosewood Side or Coffee Table, Sweden, 1960sBy Bröderna MillerLocated in Miami, FLBeautiful side table made by Bröderna Miller in Sweden, most likely from the 1960s. The three black legs unscrew. Table top in rosewood and other veneer. Please see pictures. Ready f...Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsWood, Rosewood
- Modern Wood Rocking ChairLocated in Miami, FLModern simple wood rocking chair. Ready for a new home.Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Rocking Chairs
MaterialsWood
- Svenskt Tenn, Pitcher, Cast Pewter, Sweden, c. 1930sLocated in High Point, NCA cast pewter pitcher designed and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1930s. Maker's stamp to underside.Category
Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Pitchers
MaterialsPewter
- Bo Fajans, Pitcher, Earthenware, Sweden, 1940sBy Bo FajansLocated in High Point, NCA green-glazed and incised pitcher designed and produced by Bo Fajans, Sweden, c. 1940s.Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Pitchers
MaterialsEarthenware
- Andersson & Johansson, Pitcher, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940sBy Andersson & JohanssonLocated in High Point, NCA beige-glazed stoneware pitcher designed and produced by Andersson & Johansson, Höganäs, Sweden, 1940s.Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Pitchers
MaterialsStoneware
- Andersson & Johansson, Pitcher, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940sBy Andersson & JohanssonLocated in High Point, NCA sizeable off-white-glazed pitcher designed and produced by Andersson & Johansson, Höganäs, Sweden, c. 1940s.Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Pitchers
MaterialsStoneware
- Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940sBy Gunnar Nylund, RörstrandLocated in High Point, NCA green-glazed stoneware pitcher designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.Category
Vintage 1940s Scandinavian Modern Pitchers
MaterialsStoneware
- Andersson & Johansson, Small Pitcher, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940sBy Andersson & JohanssonLocated in High Point, NCA small blue-glazed stoneware pitcher designed and produced by Andersson & Johansson, Sweden, 1940s.Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Pitchers
MaterialsStoneware