Wilhelm Kåge’s Surrea series, launched in 1940, reflects his forward-thinking approach to ceramic art. Comprising mainly vases and bowls in stoneware, the series is known for its asymmetrical, disrupted forms and soft white Carrara glaze. Many pieces appear as if sliced and reassembled, evoking both Cubist geometry and surrealist detachment.

Production was exceptionally limited, owing to the technical challenges of assembling the segmented forms without causing firing cracks. The precision this required highlights Kåge’s mastery of the medium.

Born in 1889, Kåge served as artistic director at Gustavsberg from 1917 to 1949, where he played a central role in redefining Swedish design. From refined everyday tableware to more radical works like Surrea, his practice consistently explored the intersection of function and artistic vision. Deeply rooted in modernist ideals, his legacy continues to shape the narrative of 20th-century Scandinavian design.