Vase in Ceramic by Carl-Harry Stålhane, 1949

This unique floor vase, designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane and produced by Rörstrand in Sweden in 1949, stands as a striking example of postwar Scandinavian ceramic artistry. With its tall cylindrical form and richly textured surface, the vase exemplifies Stålhane’s refined approach to material, form, and ornament—qualities that positioned him among the foremost ceramic artists of his generation.

The body of the vase is decorated with an intricate all-over relief pattern composed of stylized, repeating botanical motifs. These organic shapes introduce a rhythm and tactility that enhance the sculptural presence of the piece. The motifs are subtly varied in depth, lending visual dynamism and a sense of movement as light passes over the textured surface.

The glaze is a carefully modulated celadon green, accented with earthy brown highlights that accumulate in the recesses of the relief, accentuating the dimensionality of the decoration. The celadon tone ranges from translucent pale green to deeper olive hues, depending on the thickness and interaction with the relief underneath. This glaze technique, characteristic of Stålhane’s practice during the late 1940s, reveals both a painterly sensibility and technical command, achieved through years of experimentation at Rörstrand.

Stålhane, who succeeded Gunnar Nylund as artistic director at Rörstrand, was celebrated for his ability to bridge studio pottery and industrial production, bringing sculptural quality and expressive glazing to functional ceramic objects. This particular floor vase, produced during a pivotal moment in his early career, demonstrates his evolving aesthetic—rooted in nature but articulated through modernist clarity.

The vase measures 62 cm in height and 15 cm in diameter (24.4 x 5.9 inches), giving it an elegant vertical emphasis that allows it to function as both a freestanding decorative object and a vessel for floral arrangements. It bears Stålhane’s signature on the underside, along with Rörstrand factory markings, confirming its authenticity and origin.

In excellent vintage condition, with no cracks or restorations, this piece exemplifies the best of mid-century Scandinavian ceramics—an expressive yet restrained object that merges artistry with functionality. As a unique work by one of Sweden’s most important ceramicists, it holds significant value both as a collector’s piece and as an enduring testament to the period’s artistic innovation.

Additional information:
Material: Ceramics
Color: Green
Style: Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern
Producer: Rörstrand
Period: 1940s
Designed in: 1949
Country: Sweden
Dimensions: H: 62 / D: 15
Item Number: 154275