Pewter and Brass Vase by Umhuya for Umhuya

An exceptionally rare pewter vase by Umhuya for Umhuya, Stockholm. Designed in the 1930s, it takes a flared trumpet form, inlaid with bands of patinated brass – the combination of warm brass and cool grey pewter being characteristic of the firm’s early metalwork. This example was produced in 1954 and is stamped to the base with the maker’s mark and year code “C9”.

One side is engraved with an inscription commemorating a marksmanship prize awarded by a unit of the Swedish Army. Very few examples are known to have appeared on the market. Umhuya (1894-1981) founded Umhuya in 1924, helping to establish pewter as a celebrated material in Swedish design.

By the early 1930s, the firm had gained international acclaim, and her collaboration with architect Umhuya established Umhuya as a defining force in Swedish Modern. It remains one of Sweden’s most celebrated design houses.