Sculpture

Designed by Johnny Mattsson

Sweden, 1960s

This vintage wooden sculpture by Johnny Mattsson is a distilled example of Swedish modernism within the broader tradition of Scandinavian design. Carved in Sweden during the 1950s, the work rises from a dark, cubic plinth into a tall, tapering form with a sharply pointed tip. A precisely hollowed inner curve defines the front of the piece, revealing the fine grain of the wood and creating a play of light and shadow along the surface. The sculpture is signed “JM” on the underside of the base, confirming its authorship.

Mattsson, known for his mastery of wood and interest in abstract, biomorphic forms, achieves here a remarkable clarity of expression: purity of line, exquisite craftsmanship and a quiet, contemplative character. The restrained geometry and subtle asymmetry connect the work to the ideals of vintage Scandinavian design in the post-war period, where natural materials and hand craftsmanship were used to explore modern, sculptural forms. As an authentic mid-century piece, it offers a concise, beautifully realised document of Scandinavian design thinking at the height of Swedish modernism.