The potter’s wheel arrived in Sweden during the 16th century, giving the craft a significant boost. Production became faster and more efficient, and pottery developed into a specialized guild trade.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, potters could be found in nearly every Swedish town. Potteries, much like glassworks, were highly flammable and therefore built on the outskirts of cities. The most renowned potteries were located in Skåne and Halland, though they also appeared in other regions where the soil contained suitable clay.

In earlier times, potters mainly produced everyday items such as bowls, dishes, and cooking pots, collectively known as potter’s ware. Once fired, the clay turned a reddish color, often decorated with white stripes and loops. Because earthenware is naturally porous, it required glazing to hold liquids. The glossy lead glaze that sealed the surface thus became a defining feature of traditional Swedish pottery.