Art Glass, Studio Glass, Handblown Glass

THE ITEM
This tall graceful work of handblown art glass is by Erwin Eisch, German glass artist and painter. 

The form of this piece is beautifully balanced and lightly organic, finished with an undulating rim. The purple glass has finely 'pulled feather' detail within it that shows off shades of pale turquoise and apricot from the rim to the base. The crackled gold iridescence begins at the rim, moves down the neck and fans out around the bulb. 

The style and decor is reminiscent of Art Nouveau and Loetz Kralik glass yet still carries the artistic creativity of Eisch.

CONDITION

Excellent. No chips, cracks or repairs. There is negligible surface wear that is commensurate with the age of the piece - please refer to photos as part of the condition report. The underside of the base is inscribed with Eisch's signature of 'Eisch' and dated with '1983'.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 18" / 46 cm x c. 5.6" / 15 cm diameter (across widest point). Unpackaged weight: c. 1.6 kg / 1,560 g

NOTES
Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured.
Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY
The glass-making tradition of the Eisch Family has been traced back to Mathias Alesch, born in the Bohemian Forest in 1689 and listed among the employees of a small glassworks there. In December 1952 the first glass was smelted in what was at the time the latest and smallest glassworks in Bavaria. In spite of initial difficulties, by 1956 Eisch glassworks had expanded to a 12-pot furnace.

The full name - Glashütte Eisch, lies at the heart of the Bavarian Forest, it is here that the Eisch family has been producing hand-made glass for over 60 years. Erwin Eisch has been regarded as the founder of the international studio glass movement since the 1960s, with Harvey Littleton as one of the first artists to use glass as a medium of artistic expression.

THE ITEM
This outstanding work of 1970s handblown art glass is by Japanese Kamei glassworks.

Despite it's imposing weight of c. 1.5kg, there is still an air of graceful elegance in its form with its hot-worked unfurling and subtly curled rim. The central red core is cased in the curved ridges of clear glass, within which are the 'brushes' of white frit glass. The clear glass ridges graduate upwards and follow the unfurling rim, cascading down the sides to finish in a small curled scroll either side. A striking piece and rare find.

A BIT OF HISTORY
Fun fact: the literal translation of the word 'Kamei' is 'Turtle well' and is, in fact, a Japanese surname. The Kamei glassworks was founded in 1910 in Osaka in Japan and would eventually close in the 1990s.

Sadly, little is known about the glass artists resident at the glassworks. Perhaps it is due to the language barrier but it is well known amongst the avid glass collectors community that there are many Chinese and Japanese glassmakers whose skill and techniques rival the infamous Murano, Czech and Scandi makers of the Western world. The styles in which the glass was produced were similar to that of their Western counterparts but like all things, they had subtle differences, such as the finishing technique and colour palettes (a tendency for more vivid colours).

CONDITION
Superb. No chips or cracks or repairs, with few movement marks on the underside of the vase base that is commensurable with age. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The base has the original and mostly intact label which denotes 'Best Art Glass, Foreign' as was customary for items imported into the UK.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 9.25" / 23.5 cm base to rim x diameter of c. 6.75" / 17.1 cm (across widest point).

NOTES
Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured.
Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

THE ITEM
This exquisitely simple yet detailed work of Modernist art glass is by renowned glass artist and designer Sven Palmqvist (b. 1906 - d. 1984), one of the great innovators of Swedish glass. 

This sculpted glass features the Palmvist's Kraka technique developed in 1944, which creates the illusion of a net within the glass. The technique uses copper wire which traps air bubbles when the outer encasing of glass is applied. These beautifully patterned pieces were created by hand. The Kraka series was produced from 1944 until 1986, the colour scheme of these pieces was white until 1947 before it became the well-known golden-yellow and blue. 

This piece is particularly special as it is from the Kraka Gallery. The form of this piece is a superbly balanced tear-drop shape and an excellent canvas to highlight the spectrum of oceanic blues cradled in an edging of yellow.

The name “Kraka” was inspired by the old Nordic Legend of Kraka from when she appeared before Ragnar Lodbrok to answer his riddle of how you could be “neither dressed, not undressed”, Kraka solved the riddle by appearing wrapped in a fishnet.

CONDITION

Excellent. No chips, cracks or repairs. There is mild wear commensurate with the age of the piece - please refer to photos as part of the condition report. The label denoting 'ORREFORS SWEDEN' is present. The base is inscribed with 'Orrefors 958140 Kraka' and Palmqvist's 'Sven Palmqvist' signature. This piece is additionally inscribed with 'Kraka Gallery 2-89'. 

MEASUREMENTS

Height: c. 8.3" / 20 cm tall (from base to rim) x 2.4" /  6.2 cm in base diameter. Diameter across widest point: c. 5.7" / 14.5 cm. Rim diameter: c. 1.5" / 3.8 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 3.2 kg / 3,168 g

NOTES

Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY
Sven Palmqvist (b. 1906 - d. 1984) is best known for his collaboration with the famous glassworks Orrefors where he developed a number of new art glass techniques. He developed the Kraka technique in 1944, then came Ravenna in 1948. Another notable success by Palmqvist was Fuga, which involved centrifuging the glass in a scaled and rapidly rotating form, instead of blowing the glass. 

Palmqvist’s distinguished career with Orrefors spanned over four decades, the creative and versatile designer also created a number of commissioned pieces for public spaces including glass sculptures that can be seen in churches in Sweden, the entrance to the SVT television studio in Stockholm, the National Museum of Sweden, the Kalmar Art Museum as well as in the decoration of a ministerial palace in Dubai.

Orrefors Glassworks (1898 - 1989)

Orrefors glassworks was a glassworks in the Swedish village Orrefors in Småland. Founded in 1898 on the site of an older ironworks, Orrefors originally produced mainly window glass and bottles and it would be 1913 before their range began to expand to drinking glasses and vases. Orrefors first attempts at art glass making were in the style of the famous French glassworks such as Daum and Gallé.

During its long history, Orrefors was host to a vast number of glass artists and designers including the likes Edward Hald, Vicke Lindstrand, Edvin Öhrström, Anne Nilsson and Sven Palmqvist. 

The original Orrefors glassworks became part of the Kosta Boda group in 1989. 

THE ITEM
This beautiful work of biomorphic handblown art glass is by Czeslaw Zuber (b.1948 -), sculptor, ceramist, glassmaker, painter, illustrator and designer.

This piece is not only special in form, with a shape lending it a special ability in light refraction but is also stunning in its blending of colour.

The captured motion of the opaque golden yellow glass is like that of an abstract bloom unfurling, with 'petals' that end in an edging of warm Chilli red. Beneath the yellow is a transparent Scarlet red which graduates into shades of opaque deep orange and red. 

Under rays of sunshine, the form creates stunning refraction's and coloured beams which dance across the walls. This elegant piece to suit a room with Mid Century, Modernist, Bohemian or Contemporary inspired decor.

CONDITION

Excellent, no chips or cracks or repairs. There are inclusions within the glass as part of the production process and mild wear on the underside of the vase that is commensurable with age. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report.

MEASUREMENTS
Height c. 6.3" / 16 cm x c. 2.7" / 7 cm base diameter. Width: c. 4.7" / 12 cm (across the widest point). Unpackaged weight: 809 g / 0.8 kg

NOTES
Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured.
Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY

Czeslaw Zuber graduated in ceramics and glass from the School of Fine Arts in Wroclaw in 1974 and would go onto to discover his passion for glass through an internship. Zuber's passion would lead him to win the Special Jury Prize at the Katowice Glass Art Exhibition in 1981. 

He would make a decisive turning point in his career in 1982 and move to Paris. Contrary to what he practised in Poland (hot worked glass forms), he would produce a whole series of cold works, in the form of etched glasses, sand, diamond saw. Zuber would sculpt glass slabs, sometimes very thick, tinged with brightly coloured ink. He would also create luminous columns, offering a mirror on one side and painted decoration on the other. 

Zuber would go on to develop a technique in 1984 which would elevate his reputation: sandblasting. His mastery of sand engraving gave birth to a series of figurative works. Zuber's dedication to his art would win him the special jury prize at the International Glass Exhibition in Coburg in 1985 and a gold medal from the American Interfaith Institute in 1992. 

THE ITEM
This exceptional sculpture of handblown stylised art glass is by the glass master Licio Zanetti.This work is crafted from Alexandrite Neodymium glass and the technique used is likely Masello, given the weight, size and delicate elements of the sculpture and favoured by Licio. 

The allurement of this piece extends beyond the craftsmanship and that is in the Neodymium glass, a chemical element that is incorporated into the glass during the crafting process. Neodymium is sometimes known as Alexandrite, which changes colour from lilac under incandescent light or daylight and blue under fluorescent, household lights.

A BIT OF HISTORY
Founded in 1956 by Oscar Zanetti, Zanetti Murano Glassworks is a true family-run business and has since been handed down father to son for four generations. The glassworks quickly distinguished itself from the artistic quality of master Licio Zanetti's glass sculptures.

The glass studio soon took its place among the most prestigious companies on the island and has become one of the most important furnaces on Murano. Today, sculptures are sold through exclusive galleries in the city of Venice and selected partners around the world.

Massello is the technique used in Murano since the 1930s. The technique gives shape to hot glass held by a rod and uses the same tools as is used in blown glass-working. It's a technique with a strong visual impact, where the glass master uses precise movements.

CONDITION
Excellent, no chips, cracks or repairs, there is minimal wear in the form of mild movement marks on the underside of the base that is commensurable with age. Please refer to photographs as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the base bears Licio Zanetti's signature 'Zanetti L'. 

MEASUREMENTS
c. 17.7" / 45 cm in height x 13.7" / 35 cm width from beak to tail. Base diameter: 3.9" / 10 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 2.3 kg / 2,259 g

NOTES
Sculpture will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured.
Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

THE ITEM
This beautifully bevelled work of 1970s Scandinavian Modernist design is by Pentti Sarpaneva (b.1925 - d. 1978) Finnish jewellery and decorative designer. This piece was produced by Oy Kumela glassworks for jewellers Torun Hopea. 

Sarpaneva's style was influenced by elements of the rugged Finnish landscape, casting textures from materials such as tree bark and rock. Other inspirations included traditional Finnish lace and the metals he worked with. 

The design of this piece encapsulates much of Sarpaneva's style, his inspirations and the Modernist design influences of the time. The graduating and staggered Grape purple glass surface shows off a number of textured and angular circular and semi-circular reliefs.

The form features a central column and is also bevelled at the base, making the overall shape jewel-like and heightening the ability for light refractions. 

The piece is finished with the bronze collar that is decorated in Sarpaneva's rugged lace design which can be found in his jewellery designs. 

CONDITION

Very good. No cracks or repairs to the glass. There are 2 negligible flakes on the rim and is mentioned for completeness. There is mild use wear to the bronze that is commensurate with the age of the piece. Please see photos as part of the condition report. The underside of the base is signed 'Pentti Sarpaneva' and 'Oy Kumela'.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 3.9" / 10 cm tall x c. 5.6" / 14.2  cm rim length and width (across widest point) Base is c. 3.5" / 9 cm in length and width. Unpackaged weight: c. 1.6  kg / 1,561 g

NOTES
Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY

Pentti Sarpaneva (b.1925 - d. 1978)  Sarpaneva trained in graphic
design, at the Institute of Industrial Art and following the war, began his design career in the late 1950s. He designed for Kalevala Koru Oy and later in 1967, he became artistic director for Turun Hopea, remaining there until his death. 

Unique amongst his contemporaries, Sarpaneva would cast his designs straight from nature and the man-made environment, often using rocks and tree bark, as well as discarded rope and lace. During the height of his career, he was known for producing emotive, avant-garde, bold and eccentric designs. 

THE ITEM
This beautiful work of 1970s Scandinavian Modernist design is by Pentti Sarpaneva (b.1925 - d. 1978) Finnish jewellery and decorative designer. This piece was produced by Oy Kumela glassworks for jewellers Torun Hopea. 

Sarpaneva's style was influenced by elements of the rugged Finnish landscape, casting textures from materials such as tree bark and rock. Other inspirations included traditional Finnish lace and the metals he worked with. 

The design of this piece encapsulates much of Sarpaneva's style, his inspirations and the Modernist design influences of the time. The graduating and staggered Grape purple glass surface shows off a number of textured and angular circular and semi-circular reliefs. The piece is finished with the bronze collar that is decorated in Sarpaneva's rugged lace design and can be found in his jewellery designs. 

CONDITION

Very good. No cracks or repairs to the glass. There is one flake on the rim that is hidden from sight when under the collar, mild use wear to the bronze and within the interior of the vase that is commensurate with the age of the piece. Please see photos as part of the condition report. The underside of the base is signed 'Pentti Sarpaneva' and 'Oy Kumela'.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 8.3" / 21 cm tall x c. 3.7" / 9.5 cm length and width (across widest point) x c. 2.8" / 7.2 cm base. Unpackaged weight: c.  1.1 kg / 1,129 g

NOTES
Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY

Pentti Sarpaneva (b.1925 - d. 1978)  Sarpaneva trained in graphic
design, at the Institute of Industrial Art and following the war, began his design career in the late 1950s. He designed for Kalevala Koru Oy and later in 1967, he became artistic director for Turun Hopea, remaining there until his death. 

Unique amongst his contemporaries, Sarpaneva would cast his designs straight from nature and the man-made environment, often using rocks and tree bark, as well as discarded rope and lace. During the height of his career, he was known for producing emotive, avant-garde, bold and eccentric designs. 

THE ITEM
This beautiful work of 1970s Scandinavian Modernist design is by Pentti Sarpaneva (b.1925 - d. 1978) Finnish jewellery and decorative designer. This piece was produced by Oy Kumela glassworks for jewellers Torun Hopea. 

Sarpaneva's style was influenced by elements of the rugged Finnish landscape, casting textures from materials such as tree bark and rock. Other inspirations included traditional Finnish lace and the metals he worked with. 

The design of this piece encapsulates much of Sarpaneva's style, his inspirations and the Modernist design influences of the time. The golden amber glass surface shows off a number of textured and angular circular and semi-circular reliefs. The piece is finished with the bronze collar that is decorated in Sarpaneva's rugged lace design and can be found in his jewellery designs. 

CONDITION

Excellent. No chips, cracks or repairs to the glass, there is patinated wear to the bronze that is commensurate with the age of the piece - please see photos as part of the condition report. The underside of the base is signed 'Pentti Sarpaneva' and 'Oy Kumela'.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 3.1" / 7.9 cm tall x c. 2.8" / 7.1 cm length x c. 2.8" / 7.1 cm width. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.5 kg / 456 g

NOTES
Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured.
Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY

Pentti Sarpaneva (b.1925 - d. 1978)  Sarpaneva trained in graphic
design, at the Institute of Industrial Art and following the war, began his design career in the late 1950s. He designed for Kalevala Koru Oy and later in 1967, he became artistic director for Turun Hopea, remaining there until his death. 

Unique amongst his contemporaries, Sarpaneva would cast his designs straight from nature and the man-made environment, often using rocks and tree bark, as well as discarded rope and lace. During the height of his career, he was known for producing emotive, avant-garde, bold and eccentric designs. 

THE ITEM
This beautiful work of Scandinavian Modernist design is by Pentti Sarpaneva (b.1925 - d. 1978) Finnish jewellery and decorative designer. This piece was produced by Oy Kumela glassworks for jewellers Torun Hopea. 

Sarpaneva's style was influenced by elements of the rugged Finnish landscape, casting textures from materials such as tree bark and rock. Other inspirations included traditional Finnish lace and the metals he worked with. 

The design of this piece encapsulates much of Sarpaneva's style, his inspirations and the Modernist design influences of the time. The Cornflower blue glass surface shows off a number of textured and angular circular and semi-circular reliefs. The piece is finished with the silver collar that is decorated in Sarpaneva's rugged lace design that can be found in his jewellery designs. However, the collar being cast in silver is a rare find as this series of vases is typically found with a bronze collar. 

CONDITION

Very Good, no chips, cracks or repairs to the glass, there is patinated wear and marring to the silver that is commensurate with the age of the piece - please see photos as part of the condition report. 
The underside of the base is signed 'Pentti Sarpaneva' and 'Oy Kumela' and bears the original silver label 'Turun Hopea, Made in Finland'. The silver collar is also marked with '830' representing the purity of the silver and 'T7' which denotes the year 1972. 

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 3.1" / 8 cm tall x c. 2.8" / 7.2 cm length x c. 2.8" / 7.2 cm width. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.4 kg / 368 g

NOTES
Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured.
Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY

Pentti Sarpaneva (b.1925 - d. 1978)  Sarpaneva trained in graphic
design, at the Institute of Industrial Art and following the war, began his design career in the late 1950s. He designed for Kalevala Koru Oy and later in 1967, he became artistic director for Turun Hopea, remaining there until his death. 

Unique amongst his contemporaries, Sarpaneva would cast his designs straight from nature and the man-made environment, often using rocks and tree bark, as well as discarded rope and lace. During the height of his career, he was known for producing emotive, avant-garde, bold and eccentric designs. 

THE ITEM

This elegant work of handblown Swedish art glass is by Bertil Vallien (b. 1938 - ), celebrated glass artist, sculptor, ceramist and designer. 

This bowl is from the collectable 'Minos' series from Boda's 'Artist Collection'. The Artist Collection concept was introduced by Vallien to give glass artists the freedom for personal, creative expression and to remove the 'mass produced' feeling. Pieces are limited edition studio works and individual to the artist that created them. As each piece is handblown, this also makes the final decor of each piece unique. 

The pale blue exterior of this piece is pearly-iridescent and textured, embedded in the pale blue are diagonal and gently curving bands of a deeper blue. The deeper blue bands cut across the horizontal ribbons of white, creating the swirling, loosely woven pattern. 

CONDITION

Excellent. No chips, cracks or repairs, please see photos as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the base is engraved with 'BODA, ARTIST COL, B VALLIEN' and the number '58434'. The bowl is also labelled with the 'BODA, ARTIST COLLECTION, SWEDEN label. 

MEASUREMENTS

Height: c. 3.4" / 8.7 cm x c. 4.7" / 12 cm rim diameter. Base diameter: c. 1.2" / 3 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.3 kg / 334 g

NOTES

Bowl will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY

Born 1938, Bertil Vallien was only 15 when he left home, drawn by the allure of the big city. After a series of occasional jobs, as a window-dresser at one of the main department stores in Stockholm, and as an apprentice in his father's decorating firm, Vallien would eventually decide to become an artist which would lead him into the world of ceramics. The guidance he received in his early career included that of Stig Lindberg - one of Sweden's foremost designers of ceramic art and one of the leading designers for Rörstrand in the 1970's.

A demonstration of Vallien's sand casting process: https://youtu.be/hjW7qoLvwYw

Today, Vallien is one of the most well-known representatives of 20th century Swedish ceramic and art glass design and is represented at the Swedish National Museum of Art and Design as well as abroad in the Everson Museum of Art of New York. 

Valiien's works have only become more collectable over the years with sculptures from his Head and Journey (Boat) series fetching up to $20,000 USD. 

THE ITEM

This stunning work of Murano art glass is by Formia (Fornace Mian). The original design came from Maestro Francesco in 1984 and was one of eight birds in the 'Hamilton Collection Exotic Birds of the World.'

Many Murano glassworks have produced bird sculptures, however, the quality, craftsmanship, materials and detail of the Formia sculptures are hard to replicate. This particular piece is no exception with its superbly sentient expression, curious personality and elegant pose.

The main body is a soft raspberry pink that is overlaid with a layer of gold Avventurine flakes. This colour combination begins at the head of the the sculpture and carries through to the tip of its tail. The piece is complimented with clear glass casing in its crest, lightly folded wings and the branch perch. The sculpture is finished with a black glass detail for the beak and eyes. 

A BIT OF HISTORY

Founded by Alfio Mian and his son Giuliano in 1962, Formia (Fornace Mian) now involves a third generation of the family, Simone and Patrizia. 
Formia employs among the best Murano glassmakers, who work to improve their techniques in the production of fine art pieces which beyond the concept of "simple furnishing accessories". With around 5000 sq m, 26 kilns, the glassworks is one of the largest on the island.

CONDITION

Excellent. There are no chips or cracks. There is light age wear (such as movement marks on the base of the perch) that is commensurable with age - please see photos as part of condition report. 

MEASUREMENTS

c. 14" / 35.5 cm tall (from base to rim) x c. 5.3" /  13.5 cm in width (across body's widest point). Base diameter: c. 2.6" / 6.5 cm

Unpackaged weight:  c. 2.1 kg / 2,108 g

NOTES

Sculpture will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

THE ITEM

This excellent sculpture of Murano art glass has been skilfully crafted with pink, translucent Opalino glass and Sommerso clear glass casing.  

The form and expression of the fish is vibrant, as if it has been captured in a playful mid-dart motion against the clear glass rock base. This piece has been attributed to the Seguso glassworks from the fish's characteristically rounded dorsal fin, mouth and eyes. 

A BIT OF HISTORY

Born in 1909, shy, brilliant and quite distinguished, Archimede Seguso was a man of intellect, he used the art of glass making to express himself. Seguso would come up with different methods and techniques never seen before in glass making and it was this boldness mixed with his genius that positioned him as a reference point for other artists and artisans.

See other examples and learn more about Seguso's fishes and other pieces of his art glass via recognised reference sites such as Collectors Weekly and Kovels or curated auction sites such as 1stDibs. I also recommend visiting the Murano Zoo website (https://sites.google.com/site/muranozoo/) to see more beautiful examples of Seguso and other Murano artists for fish and other creatures.

Glass made by the Seguso furnace can be found in over 75 museums worldwide, such as MOMA in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Today, Seguso is known for its high end Venetian glass objects with glass being made for the Pope, Royalty and numerous luxury interiors throughout the world.

CONDITION

Excellent. No chips, scratches or cracks. There is negligible age wear (movement marks on the underside of the base) that is commensurable with age of the piece. 

MEASUREMENTS

c. 12.6" /  32 cm tall (from base to tip of tail) x c. 6.7" /  17 cm in width.

Unpackaged weight:  1.7 kg / 1,713 g

NOTES

Sculpture will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

THE ITEM

This sleek, handblown work of iconic Scandinavian Modern design is by Vicke Lindstrand (b. 1904 - d. 1983). Lindstrand was a Swedish textile and ceramic designer and painter, and is considered as one of the most influential 20th-century glass artists and a pioneer of glass art.

Lindstrand's prolific career included many design highlights, including his ability to excel at a technique called cased glass (known to Murano collectors as 'Sommerso'), in which a vividly coloured or patterned section of glass is surrounded by and seems to float within a clear crystal body.

This particular piece is a rare shape of the Zebra series and very much embodies Lindstrand's expertise in the Sommerso technique. It also embodies the tenets of simplicity, minimalism and functionality influences of the Scandinavian Modern design movement.

The core of rich, gradient Wine red around the central chamber is surrounded by visual overlapping of the white ribbons of glass. Depending on the angle, you can see the space between the white ribbons and the red core, that the white ribbons are in fact a separate layer. All of this is suspended in the thick-walled, curved and clear crystal glass form that is characteristic of Scandinavian art glass. Such is Lindstrand's skill in creating this piece and in the beauty of the final piece became the cover feature for Martin Miller's book 'The complete guide to 20th Century Antiques'.

CONDITION

Excellent. No chips, cracks or repair. There is negligible surface wear and movement marks on the underside of the base that is commensurable with the age of the piece - please see photos as part of the condition report. The underside of the base is signed with Lindstrand's Kosta initials of 'LH ['Lindstrand Hyttarbete'] 1115'

MEASUREMENTS

c. 6.5" / 16.5 cm tall (from base to rim) x c. 4.7" / 12 cm in width (across widest point). Depth: c. 2.9" / 7.5 cm. Unpackaged weight:  2.3 kg / 2,269 g

NOTES

Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY

Vicke Lindstrand (b. 1904 - d. 1983) was a Swedish textile and ceramic designer and painter. He is considered as one of the most influential 20th-century glass artists and a pioneer of glass art. Lindstrand along with his peer Edvin Öhström, pioneered a new glass-colouring process called the Ariel technique.

Lindstrand's prolific career began in commercial illustration before finding employment at the glass manufactory Orrefors. He would join Kosta Boda 1950, remaining there until 1973. Beyond his commercial work, he also produced several massive public sculptures around the world. Today, his works are in many museum collections, such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, and The Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Kosta Boda, Sweden’s oldest glass company, was founded in 1742 and would only begin making art glass — that is, unique and limited edition pieces — with the hiring of the painter Gunnar Wennerberg in 1898. Kosta Boda enjoys a reputation as the country’s most artistic and experimental glassworks, featuring artists and sculptors.

Two post-war Kosta Boda designers stand foremost in the minds of collectors, one is Vicke Lindstrand, who excelled at a technique of 'Sommerso', or cased glass. The other is Erik Höglund, who had an almost artisanal eye for glass shapes, and liked to produce glass that had a textured, warped look. 

THE ITEM

This exceptional work of handblown art glass is by Udo Edelmann (b. 1938 -), designer, glass master and sculptor.  Edelmann is regarded as "one of the most important German studio glass artists of his generation."

- source: Rheinische Museum, Germany 

Suspended in the thick-walled glass are a multitude of textures such as folds, swathes layers, melts, fragments and natural bubbles. The colours both opaque and transparent, spread across a range of pink, Cranberry red, Wine, red, bronze and dark aluminium. 

CONDITION

Excellent. No cracks or repairs, there is nominal surface wear commensurate with the age of the piece, please see photos as part of the condition report. The underside of the base is inscribed with Edelmann's signature of 'Edelmann' and dated '82'.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 4.7" / 12cm x c. 5.5" / 14 cm diameter (across widest point). Base diameter: c. 2.6" / 6.5cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 2.4 kg / 2,423 g

NOTES
Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured.
Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY
Udo Edelmann (b. 1938 - ) is regarded as "one of the most important German studio glass artists of his generation." [Source: http://www.rheinischemuseen.de/ausstellung/5081241]

Edelmann was born in Landsberg an der Warthe in the then province of Brandenburg and first came into contact with glass in Schleswig-Holstein and his fascination with glass has accompanied him throughout his life. To gain professional access to the glass, Edelmann studied chemistry and technology and then completed an apprenticeship at the Staatliche Glasfachschule Rheinbach; where he later took on a teaching assignment and would go on to become a technical director. 

Throughout his career, Edelmann has participated in over 55 exhibitions and his expertise consulted across a number of projects. Significant projects include the replication of antique glass collection for the Roman-Germanic Museum Cologne, and leading the planning as well as the construction of glassworks for the PRC in Guangzhou

Many pieces of Edelmann's works are in public possession, having been purchased by museums. Museums that have purchased his work include: the Kunstgewerbemuseum Berlin, the Corning Museum of Glass, the Hessisches Landesmuseum Darmstadt, the Museum Kunstpalast Düsseldorf, the Glasmuseum Frauenau, the Victoria & Albert Museum London, the Hessian State Museum Kassel, the Museum of Applied Arts Cologne, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs Lausanne (today: MUDAC), the Cultural History Museum Osnabrück , the Glasmuseum Rheinbach, the Württemberg State Museum Stuttgart, the Glass Museum Ebeltoft in Denmark and the Muzeum Lubuskie em. Jana Dekerta, Gorzow Wlkp, Poland.

THE ITEM
This exceptional Modernist work of handblown art glass is by glass artist and designer Jaroslav Svoboda (b. 1938 - ). Svoboda designed this piece in 1969 as part of a series for Czech Skrdlovice glassworks. Svoboda is well known for designing many popular and much-loved pieces in clear and cobalt blue glass. 

This sculpted piece is crafted from clear glass, within which is suspended irregular bubbles and swirling daubs of Cobalt blue around a central hollow well. 

The form distinctly avoids harsh angles and lines and instead, opts for softly exaggerated curves all over and the central hollow well makes this piece suited to displaying single stem flowers. 

The form creates multiple effects within the glass and how it interacts with light; from magnifying to refracting to prismatic. Depending on the angle of display and light, the internal decor creates different beautiful refractions across surfaces.  

CONDITION

Excellent. No chips, cracks or repairs, there is mild use wear on the underside of the base commensurable with the age of the piece - please refer to photos as part of the condition report. 

MEASUREMENTS
Height c. 5.7" / 14.6 cm by c. 3" /  7.5 cm  in diameter. Weight c.1.6 kg / 1,646 g

NOTES
Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY

Jaroslav Svoboda (b. 1938 - )  Svoboda entered the world of glassmaking from a young age and in his father's workshop, his father worked for the Inwald glassworks. Svoboda would pursue academic knowledge of the arts at the age of 15 before officially beginning his career in glass in 1966. 

In the years to follow, Svoboda would go on to become the Head of the ÚUŘ Glassworks in Skrdlovice and becoming Professor and Head of Glass Studio at the Academy of Arts, Architecture & Design in Prague before finally establishing his own glassworks studio. 

Svoboda has had significant achievements throughout his career; he has won numerous awards and his works are featured in collections in many museums including the Corning Museum of Glass in New York, the Kunstmuseum für Kunst und Gewerbe in Hamburg, the National Gallery in Prague and many more. 

His work has been presented in over 60 exhibitions, either as a dedicated individual exhibition or part of a collective. There are also around 30 Svoboda commissioned pieces in state, financial, school and industrial buildings in his native Czech Republic and abroad.  

THE ITEM

This playful, Summery trio of handmade Swedish art glass is by Ulrica Hydman-Vallien (b. 1938 - d. 2018), celebrated artist who specialised in stained glass and decorative painting. 

The dish and flask formed vase is from Hydman-Vallien's 'Pastel' series and all three handmade works are miniatures from Boda's 'Artist Collection'. The Artist Collection concept was introduced to give glass artists the freedom for personal, creative expression and to remove the 'mass produced' feeling. Artist Collection pieces are limited edition studio works, individual to the artist that created them.

The dish and flask formed vase is predominantly crafted from a sweet pink frit that has been blended with lime green and azure blue frit glass. The frit glass technique merges fragments of coloured glass in clear glass to create the closely freckled effect, similar to the drifting within a snow-globe. 

The translucent goblet is also crafted from an opaline white frit glass that has been additionally detailed with a gently corded stem and is finished with the handpainted cobalt blue stripes.

CONDITION

Excellent. No chips, cracks or repairs, please refer to photos as part of the condition report. The underside of the base on both pieces is engraved with 'BODA, ARTIST COL, B VALLIEN'. The green bottle is engraved with the number '48010' and the purple bottle is engraved with the number '48008'. The green bottle is also labelled with the 'Handmade, Boda, Sweden' label. 

MEASUREMENTS

- Pink flask vase. Height: c. 2.4" / 6.2 cm x c. 2" / 5.2 cm base diameter. Rim diameter: c. 1.6" / 4 cm.

- Pink dish. Height: c. 1.2" / 3 cm x c. 3.7" / 9.4 cm diameter (across widest point). Base diameter: c. 1.2" /  3 cm. 

- Striped goblet. Height: c. 3.5" / 8.8 cm x c. 1.9" / 4.8 cm diameter (across widest point). Base diameter: c. 1.6" / 4 cm. 

Unpackaged weight (all pieces): c. 0.2 kg / 212 g

NOTES

The glass will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY

Ulrica Hydman-Vallien (b. 1938 - d. 2018)

"Ulrica Hydman-Vallien can certainly not be accused of being ordinary. Her design has had its own style ever since the beginning of her artistic career. Already when Ulrica was 17 years old she became a student at the College of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm, and went on to further study in the USA and Mexico.

Throughout her career, she has explored a variety of means of expression. It was only in 1972 that she started as a glass designer at Kosta Boda, where her imagination has been expressed in many ways. Ulrica's hallmark has become the painted glass, which has been very successful for a very long time. Above all, many associate her with the tulips in the series Tulipa, which was launched in the 1990's. The colourful, defined and intense idiom recurs in everything that Ulrica creates for Kosta Boda." 

- source: Kosta Boda

THE ITEM
These three beautiful biomorphic pieces are by Czech Zelezny Brod glassworks, also known as Železnobrodské Sklo (ZBS). Zelezny Brod is notably known for their popular free-formed organic vases and bowls, designed by Miloslav Klinger during the 1950s-60s.

These works are not only special in their abstract and organic forms - which gives them additional ability to refract light but the Neodymium, lilac coloured piece also has the ability to colour change. 

The colour changing ability comes from Neodymium, a chemical element which is incorporated into the glass during the crafting process. Neodymium glass is sometimes known as Alexandrite glass and under daylight, the element in the glass is a pale lilac colour. However, under indoor and fluorescent household lighting. the element becomes a pale blue colour. 

The Citrine glass glows in a warm lemon yellow, like bright sunshine and under rays of sunshine, the curvy organic forms of all three works create a mix of candyfloss/cotton candy refraction's which dance across the surfaces. 

CONDITION
Excellent, no chips or cracks or repairs. There is light wear in the form of movement marks on the underside of the bases of the vases which are commensurable with age. Please see photos as part of the condition report. 

MEASUREMENTS
Medium Citrine vase: height c. 7.2" / 18.5 cm x c. 4.5" / 11.5 cm in width (across the widest point) 
Small Neodymium vase: Height c. 5.2" / 13 cm x c. 3.1" / 7.8 cm in width (across the widest point)
Small Citrine  vase: Height c. 5.2" / 13 cm x c. 3.1" / 7.8 cm in width (across the widest point)

Weight (3 pieces): c. 1.8 kg / 1,789 g

NOTES
Vases will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured.
Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY
Železný Brod is an old glass-producing town founded in the eleventh century. It was originally known as Brod ("ford") or Brodek ("little ford"). Železný ("iron") was added to its name in the fourteenth century, alluding to the town's steelworks. The town's main industry is represented by producers of blow-moulded glass, as well as that of jewellers. The Železný Brod (ZBS) glassworks was created in 1948 as a result of nationalisation, at the time, this was made up of 9 glass factories in the town. ZBS being particularly well known for its free-form organic vases and bowls designed by Miroslav Klinger.

THE ITEM

This delicious duo of handmade Swedish art glass is by Bertil Vallien (b. 1938 - ), celebrated glass artist, sculptor, ceramist and designer. 

The pair are miniatures from the collectable 'Antikva' series from the 'Artist Collection'. The Artist Collection concept was introduced by Vallien to give glass artists the freedom for personal, creative expression and to remove the 'mass produced' feeling. Pieces are limited edition studio works, individual to the artist that created them.

The sea-green hexagonal bottle vase is crafted from a combination of sea-green and lime-green frit glass. The frit glass technique merges fragments of coloured glass in clear glass to create the closely freckled effect, similar to the drifting within a snow-globe. The piece is finished with pale blue frit glass neck. 

The grape purple gourd bottle vase is also crafted from frit glass, a combination of grape/amethyst purple and freckles of sapphire blue. The sapphire blue frit glass is used to create the neck to complete the piece. 

CONDITION

Excellent, no chips, cracks or repairs, please do see photos as part of the condition report. The underside of the base on both pieces is engraved with 'BODA, ARTIST COL, B VALLIEN'. The green bottle is engraved with the number '48010' and the purple bottle is engraved with the number '48008'. The green bottle is also labelled with the 'Handmade, Boda, Sweden' label. 

MEASUREMENTS

Green hexagonal bottle. height: c. 4" / 10.3 cm x c. 1.6" / 4 cm base diameter. 

Purple gourd bottle: height: c. 2.4" / 6 cm x c. 2" / 5 cm diameter (across widest point). Base diameter: c. 1.2" / 3 cm. 

Unpackaged weight (both pieces): c. 0.2 kg / 170 g

NOTES

The glass will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY

Born 1938, Bertil Vallien was only 15 when he left home, drawn by the allure of the big city. After a series of occasional jobs, as a window-dresser at one of the main department stores in Stockholm, and as an apprentice in his father's decorating firm, Vallien would eventually decide to become an artist which would lead him into the world of ceramics. The guidance he received in his early career included that of Stig Lindberg - one of Sweden's foremost designers of ceramic art and one of the leading designers for Rörstrand in the 1970's.

A demonstration of Vallien's sand casting process: https://youtu.be/hjW7qoLvwYw

Today, Vallien is one of the most well-known representatives of 20th century Swedish ceramic and art glass design and is represented at the Swedish National Museum of Art and Design as well as abroad in the Everson Museum of Art of New York. 

Valiien's works have only become more collectable over the years with sculptures from his Head and Journey (Boat) series fetching up to $20,000 USD. 

DESCRIPTION

This stunning work of sculpted art glass is by Jane Charles, one of the leading British contemporary glass artists. 

Multiple techniques have been utilised in the creation of this piece. Techniques include Sandblasting to create the smoothly frosted exterior and the cutting of the sides to create the faceted effect, as well as creating a 'window' into the layers of captured flowing motion within