Art Glass, Studio Glass, Handblown Glass

This delicious handblown work of Post Modern art glass is by leading Swedish glass artist Kjell Engman (b. 1946 -), accoladed with the name 'Glass Wizard' for his unlimited imagination with art glass.

This piece is from the popular series named Corfu, designed by Engman in 1990s. Engman sought inspiration in Greece and Greek artistic expression and brought his characteristically playful, sculpted and organic style into the design of this pitcher vase.

The core body of this piece is spheroid, beautifully curved and toned in a Candied Forest Green with elements of dappled and striped translucency. This work is further accented with the continuation of stripes at the transparent neck and finished with the striking Coquelicot handle.

The overall composition of this work is of great harmony, demonstrated in the stunning blending of colour with form and size, makes this a statement piece.

This exceptional piece is unique as it features Kintsugi golden seams following a careful repair and highlighting process and even rarer as Kintsugi is typically applied to repairing ceramics rather than glass. The Kintsugi technique used is modern and has been applied in a tactile manner, a striking compliment to the colour palette of this piece.

CONDITION
Excellent. This piece has been carefully repaired using a robust water-resistant and durable resin. There is natural and very mild surface wear that is commensurate with the age of the piece. Please see photos as they form part of the condition report. The base bears the original Kosta Boda label and on the underside of the base, there is the inscription of: KOSTA BODA K. ENGMAN 7080512'

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 14" / 36 cm tall (from base to rim) x c. 8.1" / 20.5 cm in width (across widest point). Depth: c. 3.7" / 9.5 cm. Rim: c. 2.3" / 5.8 cm. Base: c. 3.9" / 10 cm Unpackaged weight: c. 2.5 kg / 2,510g

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
Kjell Engman (b. 1946 -), accoladed with the name 'Glass Wizard' for his unlimited imagination with art glass and known for being one of ten highly talented artists. Since joining Kosta Boda in 1978, Engman has designed a number of iconic series, drawing inspiration from diverse sources such as the animal kingdom, the world of music and entertainment.

Engman's style is distinctive and immediately recognisable. Common characteristics to his work include being bold, bright and colourful, ranging from the playful to the delicate to the sensuous. It could almost be described as Dali-esque and does not conform to preconceptions of simple, minimalist Swedish design.

Engman has often been commissioned at home in Sweden and abroad, designing works for public display and even famous pieces such as the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest trophy. Engman's latest works and installations can be found at his dedicated website: http://www.kjellengman.com/

THE ITEM
This stunning, handblown work of Swedish Modern design art glass is by Vicke Lindstrand (b. 1904 - d. 1983), considered as one of the most influential 20th-century glass artists and a pioneer of glass art. This particular piece is a rare and early work, 'LC1' from the Colora series, which first appeared in the Kosta catalogue in 1955, featured 11 designs and was produced during 1955 to 1956.

The elegant, flowing and deceptively simple form is in fact the coalescing of multiple layers. The innermost layer is a graduating Cerulean blue that pales into a glow at the lower body and which is overlaid with exquisite threads of Espresso brown. The threads gracefully shape themselves to the contours of the vase's body, from hairline thickness at the neck and dilating as it wraps around the lower body. The piece is finished with a layer of clear casing glass.

The refined delineation of the threads from the core blue creates a visual effect of the threads gently hovering over the body, adding fascinating depth and dimension to the visual effect. This successful delineation is not always possible as is the nature of handblown pieces. 

In November 1953, Lindstrand presented Colora at the exhibition Artiums Exposé Gothenburg. Described by the press at the time: "Colora is thus the very latest. This glass has never before been exhibited to the public. The pieces are also unique in the sense that no two objects in this exhibition are the same. The play of light in the bowls, small or large, triggers the effect. It will shimmer, it will glow, it plays - and then you have in your hand a glass object that lives, whimsical but intense.” 

CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks or repair. There are internal water marks, negligible surface wear and movement marks on the underside of the base that is commensurable with the age of the piece. There are also small inclusions in the body that are from the glassblowing process and is not damage, please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the base is signed with Lindstrand's initials for the Colora series of 'LC1'.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 12.1" / 30.8 cm tall (from base to rim) x c. 3.9" / 10 cm in width (across widest point). Depth: c. 2.8" / 7 cm. Base measurements: 2.6" / 6.5 cm x 2.2" / 5.6 cm. Rim: 2" / 5 cm (across widest point) Unpackaged weight: 1.0 kg / 970 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) 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 many glass 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.

Lindstrand's career began in commercial illustration before finding employment at the glass manufactory Orrefors. He would join Kosta Boda in 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 is Sweden’s oldest glass company, founded in 1742 and began 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.

There are few Kosta Boda designers who stand foremost in the minds of collectors, one is Vicke Lindstrand, who excelled at a technique of 'Sommerso', or cased glass.

ITEM
This spectacular work is of Czech Modernist art glass is a celebration of handblown sixties studio glass.

The accentuated abstract bottle form features a tapered neck that is lightly ridged, creating downward darts in the bands of orange around it. The neck leads into the globe body with the bands of orange widening outwards as the body's circumference extends. Each band wavy striped band of orange features a shade of semi-translucent shade of Peach orange that is sandwiched between a trim of transparent Tangerine orange. As the bands graduate towards the base of the vase, the hues of orange deepen, giving this piece a wonderful sense of gradience.

This simple yet refined piece is a rare find that gives a mesmerising light show of refractions when placed in the path of sunlight.

CONDITION
Superb. There is light use wear, primarily in the form of mild watermarks on the interior of the vase. Mentioned for completeness: due to the narrowness of the neck, the vase can sometimes collect condensation on the interior, which comes and goes as temperatures fluctuate. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 16.5" / 42 cm tall by 6.9" / 17.5 cm width (across body's widest point). Base diameter: c. 3.3" / 8.5 cm. Rim diameter: c. 1.5" / 3.8 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 1.3 kg / 1,340 g

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

THE ITEM
This stunning work of mid-century handblown art glass was designed by Josef Hospodka during his time at Chribska glassworks.

This sculpted piece is very well balanced with its 4 lobes elegantly drawn upwards, creating the gently curved wakes along the four sides of the glass. The colour palette of this piece makes it a rare find, as encased within the glass is a striking Cranberry red which brilliantly contrasts the icy Periwinkle blue. These captivating and captivated colours are encased in clear glass with the whole piece being finished with the classic Hospodka accent of opaque white glass along the rim.

This piece would be well suited to a room with Modernist, Contemporary or even Industrialist theme inspired decor.

CONDITION
Excellent, no chips, cracks or repairs. There are few movement marks on the underside of the base that is commensurable with age - please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 9.4" / 24 cm from its tallest point x c. 5.9" / 15 cm wide (across widest point). Base diameter: c. 2.9" / 7.3cm. Weight: c. 1.3 kg / 1,285 g

NOTES
Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured.

A BIT OF HISTORY
The founding of Chřibská glassworks dates back to 1414 and is considered to be one of the oldest glassworks in the world. Chřibská operated without interruption for almost six centuries, the glassworks full name Sklarna Chribska was based in the Czech Republic and was well-known for their sculptural art glass vases and bowls. Chribska remained in production until very recently and eventually became part of the Borske Sklo National Corporation during the 1950s.

Josef Hospodka (b. 1923 - d. 1989) studied at the State School for Graphic Arts in Prague from 1938-40, followed by the School for Decorative Arts in Prague from 1940-45 under Professor Holecek. He was the head of the glass cutting department at the Specialised School for Glassmaking at Novy Bor from 1945-51, headmaster at the Chribskà glassworks training school from 1951-58, and head designer at the Borské Sklo glassworks from 1858-60, and from 1964-70. He is best known for his many highly successful and prolifically produced colourful and curving hot-worked designs produced for Chribskà, of which he was a director from 1960-64.

"Hospodka is best known at Chribská for his brightly coloured organic forms designed from the mid-1950s-60s and inspired by glass produced on Murano. However, he was considerably more inventive, and utilised fully the hot-working talents of the glassmakers at Chribská."

- Source: Mark Hill

THE ITEM
This exceptional work of French Art Nouveau cameo glass is by one of the most prominent glassworks Daum, based in the city of Nancy (1878 - present). The Daum studio creates their art in crystal and remains as one of the only studios who use the pâte de verre process for art glass and crystal sculptures.

Designed and crafted in the 1900s, the form and glowing ethereal palette of this piece is a rare combination that has made it a feature in the dedicated book "Daum - Maitres Verriers" by Edita Denoel, (Edita S.A. Lausanne, 1980, p. 61). The base colour palette is composed of cool and faintly opalescent pale blue tones, which has been overlaid with the tactile golden-hued Zucchini leaves, stems, flower buds and tendrils in high relief.

CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks or repairs. There is mild wear to the surface that is commensurate with the age of the piece. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The vase bears the Daum Nancy signature with the Croix de Lorraine mark.

MEASUREMENTS
Height c. 9.8" / 25 cm by c. 3.9" / 10 cm diameter (across widest point). Rim (opening) diameter: c. 2.4" / 6.2 cm. Base diameter: c. 3" / 7.7 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.8 kg / 825 gm.

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
Founded in 1878 by Jean Daum, the studio rose to prominence during the Art Nouveau and Art Deco period (1890 - 1910, 1908 - 1935), capturing the attention and imagination of collectors all over the world. Daum would exhibit at Paris International Exhibition in 1889, a pivotal event which marked the birth of the French Art Nouveau movement. With leading artists such as Henri Berge, Almaric Walter, Charles Schneider and Jacques Gruber, the studio would go on to win their first ‘Grand Prix’ in 1900.

The studio continued its ascent to international fame around this time, which further elevated when they began to create their art with pâte-de-verre, a glass-making technique first used over five thousand years ago in the early world. Fueled by international success, the studio would broaden their range to glass art objects and enter into a period of phenomenal development. The studio revolutionised techniques by experimenting with materials such as acids, colour powders, fluorine hydrogen and enamel. Collaboration with leading designers was also a common aspect of Daum's exploration and creativity, working with names such as Louis Majorelle, Eugene Galles, Emile Wirts and Salvador Dali.

Today, Daum is well known for creating pieces in high quality, crystal glass.

THE ITEM
This beautiful handblown work of art glass is by Czech glassworks Josefodol Glassworks, later restructured into Zelezny Brod glassworks. This particular design in Neodymium glass is a rare find and even rarer that it is in such superb condition.  

The simple but gorgeously rounded silhouette is like that of a soap bubble, with the lightly arced leaf nestled in the gentle depression at the top. This piece not only has an excellent ability to create shimmering refractions, but it also has the ability to colour change. The colour changing ability comes from Neodymium, a chemical element that has been incorporated into the glass during the crafting process. Under daylight, the Neodymium in the glass presents itself as a pale lilac colour however, under indoor fluorescent household lighting, the element becomes a pale blue. Neodymium glass is sometimes known as Alexandrite glass. 

This elegant piece would suit a room with Mid Century, Modernist or even Contemporary inspired decor.

CONDITION
Excellent. No chips or cracks or repairs. There are minute inclusions inside the apple from the glassblowing process and very mild wear that is commensurate with the age of the piece. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the piece bears Zelezny Brod's gold foil label. 

MEASUREMENTS
Height c. 4.5" / 11.4 cm x c. 3.3" / 8.5 cm in width (across the widest point). Base diameter: c. 1.4" / 3.5 cm. Unpackaged weight: 0.3 kg / 328 g

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
Zelezny Brod Glassworks
Železný Brod is an old glass-producing town founded in the eleventh century. It was originally known as Brod [tr. 'ford'] or Brodek [tr. 'little ford']. Železný [tr. '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 and was an amalgamation 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 beautifully sculpted and handblown piece is the work of Japanese glassworks Sanyu and from the Narumi Fantasy glass candy-like coloured series.

The form is superbly organic with three points on either side of the central inward-folding points, making this piece very tactile and giving it a prismatic ability. The colour palette is seemingly simple, with small pools of Mandarin orange and Cerulean Blue which are suspended in the clear glass. However, the hidden magic in this piece is very apparent when it is placed in the pathway of sunlight and surfaces light up from the refractions thrown.

CONDITION
Superb. No chips or cracks or damage, There is mild wear, predominantly on the end of each point as well as movement marks on the underside of the base which is commensurate with age. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 2.7" / 7 cm tall x c. 8.7" / 22.2 cm length x c. 6" / 15.2 cm (across widest point). Base measurements: c. 3.3" / 8.3 cm x c. 3.8" / 9.6 cm. Unpackaged weight c. 1.5 kg / 1,518 g

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
The quality of Japanese art glass during the 1950s to the 1970s rivalled that of Murano, Scandinavian, and Czech glass production, however, recognition was relatively low and most pieces imported into the Western market were often simply marked with the word 'Foreign' or not at all. It is rare to discover pieces with the original glassworks or importing company's label.

THE ITEM
This stunning work of Bohemian design is an exceptional and handblown piece of sculpted Bohemian Czech art glass. The form is beautifully organic and tactile, presenting softly exaggerated and draping curves all over, the exquisitely finished shape is also a rarity, with the three cresting peaks. The base glass is a powerful shade of Azure blue that is further decorated in a delicate of silvery iridescence at the base and accents of yellow, white and orange frit glass confettied across each of the peaks.

This uniquely magnificent work of art glass makes an excellent statement piece.

CONDITION
Superb. There is negligible age and use wear that is commensurable with the age of the piece, please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report.

MEASUREMENTS
Height c. 10.8 " / 27.5 cm x c. 4.9" / 12.5 cm width (across the widest point). Base diameter: c. 2.9" / 7.3 cm. Vase opening: c. 1.8" / 4.6 cm. Weight c. 1.1kg / 1,112 g

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

THE ITEM
This charming mid-century piece with its romantically moody Steel blue is crafted from Lucite (also known as Plexiglas). Lucite became widely available in the late 1930s as a lightweight alternative to glass and this particular piece is cool to touch as glass is as well as ringing with glass-like tones when gently tapped.

The footed form of this piece is well-balanced and functionally versatile, and also lends itself to excellent refractions. Crafted in a cool-toned Steel blue, it is further decorated with an overlay of handpainted sweeping and swirling bands in Lemon yellow and Tangerine Orange.

This retro Modernist piece will make an excellent accent piece to a room with similarly themed Mid Century, Modernist or Retro decor.

CONDITION
Excellent. No chips or cracks or repairs. There is mild wear that is predominantly in the form of wear to the underside of the vase and negligible wear to the exterior body. There are a few minor inclusions from the production process and have been mentioned for completeness, please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report.

MEASUREMENTS
Height c. 4.3" / 11 cm x width: c. 4.7" / 12 cm (across the widest point). Base diameter: c. 2.2" / 5.6 cm. Rim (opening) diameter: c. 4.3" / 11 cm. Unpackaged weight: 0.1 kg / 126 g

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

THE ITEM
This vivid and striking work of Murano art glass design brings with it beauty created by expert glass working techniques of the Onesto's La Vetreria Artistica Oball glassworks studio.

This handblown and sculpted piece of art glass showcases one of Oball's iconic colour combinations. Suspended at its centre is the vibrant drop of Scarlet red that is enveloped in a graduating Azure blue and translucent Dandelion yellow. The piece is finished in a clear glass casing that is created from the well-known technique Sommerso.

CONDITION
Superb. No chips, cracks or repairs. There is light use wear on the surface of the bottle which is not immediately visible and is commensurable with the age of the piece. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 3.5" / 9 cm x c. 3.7" / 9.3 cm wide (across widest point). Base diameter: c. 2.4" / 6 cm. Rim diameter: c. 1.2" / 3 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.7 kg / 729 g.

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
One of the most famous makers of Italian Murano art glass is Luigi Onesto who was immersed in the art from the early age of 15. Onesto would go on to found his own art glass studio, Vetreria Artistica Oball, where he now works with his sons.

Onesto's work is characterised by his exceptionally skilled use of the Sommerso technique. Sommerso involves layering multiple colours of glass for a very distinctive and beautiful effect. It is not a simple process by any means and is one of the most commonly known Murano techniques, which in Italian literally means “submerged”. This technique is used to create several layers of glass (usually with different contrasting colours) inside a single object, giving the illusion of “immersed” colours without mixing and a big drop of colour captured in clear glass.

THE ITEM
This stunning and very tactile work of Art Nouveau design is by Bohemian glassworks Loetz (1836 - 1947) who were best known for their trailing, iridescent art glass. The abstract bottle and form of this piece is a gentle undulating flow of smooth and soft curves, with rounded thorn-like tips that give the impression of a cactus translated into art glass. The base colour of the glass is a lush Forest green which is overlaid with the blue-leaning rainbow iridescence.

The piece is finished with a silver collar accent (hallmarked to London Assay Office c. 1920s) which complements the elegant form and was common a common finishing touch to art glass design during the Art Nouveau period.

CONDITION
Superb. There are no chips, cracks or repair to the glass, there is a mild sanding at the rim that is visible as a result of the wear to the silver collar and also from the production process. There is significant and visible wear to the silver collar which can be left untouched for its antique charm or replaced if preferred. Please see photos as they form part of the condition report. The silver collar is hallmarked to the London Assay Office, 'HP&S' (Henry Perkins & Sons) c. 1920s.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 8.3" / 21 cm (from base to rim) x max diameter: c. 3.3" / 8.5 cm. Rim diameter: c. 1.2" / 3.1 cm. Base diameter: c. 3.3" / 8.5 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.2 kg / 240 g

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

A BIT OF HISTORY
Loetz was originally founded as Klášterský Mlýn in the Southern Bohemian town of Klostermühl during 1836. It would be 1851 before the glassworks was purchased by Frank Gerstner, who transferred it to his wife Susanne Loetz shortly before his death in 1855. Susanne would go on to lead the glassworks to great success and expansion, setting it on the path of international fame and a reputation which persists even now.

Loetz is best known for their broad range of designs for iridescent, trailing art glass, created during the Art Nouveau period (c. 1890 - 1910). At times, designs were created in collaboration with well-known artists and designers of the time such as Marie Kirschner and Franz Hofstötter (aka Franz Hofstätter).

Sadly, the transition into the Art Deco period (c. 1910 - 1940), the outbreak of World War I combined with The Great Depression in the late twenties and two significant fires set the glassworks on the road to decline. The final declaration of bankruptcy came in 1939, following the German invasion of Czechoslovakia with production fully ceasing in 1947.

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 many glass 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 work from the Zebra series and even rarer, is the colour which displays as black but is in fact, a shade of very intense red-brown. This stunning work of art glass very much embodies Lindstrand's expertise in the Sommerso technique. It also exemplifies the tenets of simplicity, minimalism and functionality influences of the Scandinavian Modern design movement.

The core of rich, Dark Mahogany red-brown 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 core colour and 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 and beauty in this series, the version in red 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 they form part of the condition report. The underside of the base is signed with Lindstrand's Kosta initials of 'LH ['Lindstrand Hyttarbete'] 1116 / 234' and a further 'u' which was used as an indicator for 'Unique' piece.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 4.9" / 12.5 cm tall (from base to rim) x c. 3.5" / 9 cm in width (across widest point). Depth: c. 2.2" / 5.5 cm. Unpackaged weight: 1.1 kg / 1,088 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.