The Swedish design philosophy of “beautiful things for everyday life” is actualized in the vintage glassware of Orrefors. Founded in 1898, this glass manufacturer was one of the leading companies in the Scandinavian modernism movement and is revered by collectors for the fine craftsmanship and innovation of its superlative art glass.
Orrefors began making art glass — works that, distinct from mass-production pieces, are made in small numbers to showcase the skills and talents of artists and artisans — in 1913. Two of the first artists hired by the firm were Simon Gate and Edward Hald, who worked initially in the organic Art Nouveau style, and later proved adept with the geometric imagery of the Art Deco period.
Hald and Gate worked closely with glassblowers to refine traditional glassmaking methods, creating new materials such as "graal" glass. In the graal technique a design made with colored glass is encased in layers of transparent glass, preserving the image while the overall glass form is worked and shaped. Orrefors won an international following when it presented such pieces in Paris in 1925 at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes — the design fair whose name gave rise to the term Art Deco.
In the years following that success, Orrefors attracted more dynamic and experimental artists such as Vicke Lindstrand and Edvin Ohrström, who joined the company in the 1930s. Lindstrand and Ohstrom worked with glassblowers to create the "ariel" glass technique, an innovation that produces deeper, richer imagery that seems to morph and flow as light is refracted by the glass.
As you will see from the items offered on 1stDibs, there is a special aesthetic quality to vintage Orrefors glass. Whether a vase or a set of wine goblets, the work of this premier Swedish company represents the apex of functional artistry.
Mid-Century Modernist Sculptural Crystal Bowl Signed Orrefor's
By Orrefors
Located in New York, NY
This elegant mid-century modernist crystal bowl, circa 1960, showcases the artistry of Orrefors, Sweden. The sculptural design beautifully captures and refracts light, highlighting t...
Crystal
Mid-Century Modernist Spiral Form Crystal Bowl by Orrefors
Located in New York, NY
This Mid-Century Modernist Spiral Form crystal Bowl by Orrefors originates from Sweden, Circa 1950. Featuring an elegant and gently twisted composition rising from the modest octagon...
Crystal
Mid-Century Modernist Footed Crystal Bowl with Organic Detailing Signed Steuben
By Steuben Glass
Located in New York, NY
A stunning Mid-Century Modernist footed crystal bowl, featuring elegant organic detailing, signed Steuben, American, circa 1960. This timeless mid-century piece showcases the unparal...
Crystal
Scandinavian Modernist Faceted Translucent Glass Bowl Signed Orrefors
By Orrefors
Located in New York, NY
This refined modernist bowl was realized in Sweden by the renowned maker Orrefors. It features an octagonal mouth and undulating curved faceted sides in translucent glass...
Glass
Mid-Century Crystal Ashtray with Crenelated Angular Motif Signed Rosenthal
By Rosenthal
Located in New York, NY
This Mid-Century Modernist crystal ashtray, crafted circa 1980 and signed by Rosenthal, exemplifies the sleek sophistication and sharp aesthetic associated with Modernist design. Th...
Crystal
Mid-Century Modernist Glass Centerpiece w/ Precise Murine Detailing by Pairpoint
Located in New York, NY
This Hand-Blown Glass Centerpiece/ tazza originates from the United States Circa 1950. Composed in smoked semi-translucent glass with a raised lip supported by a base detailed in nu...
Glass
Mid-Century Modern Crystal Bowl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wheel cut lead crystal bowl from Checz cut in the Diamond pattern and Flowers on the upper rim. Custom designed with an Absolute Black Marble bas...
Crystal
Mid-Century Crystal Glass Bowl, 1960's
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of Glass Re-polished Original condition.
Glass
Midcentury Hand Blown Clear Crystal Bowl Made in Sweden
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
Sweden is famous for its glass production and this bowl is proof for its fame. This is a handmade heavy set clear crystal glass bowl weighing 2.2kg(!) in very good condition. Use for...
Crystal
Vannes 1950s Crystal Bowl
By Art Vannes
Located in Buchanan, NY
French Vannes 1950s crystal bowl in a swirled rib design with six ribbed points.
Art Glass
Lars Hellsten Orrefors Crystal Corona Bowl, Hand-Crafted in Sweden
By Orrefors, Lars Hellsten
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Orrefors Sweden Crystal Corona Bowl by Lars Hellsten circa 1960s. The Swedish crystal Corona bowl, designed by sculptor Lars Hellsten for Orrefors, showcases a flared form with a scalloped edge and is signed with a marked with needle-etched Orrefors at the base. Thick-walled clear crystal glass; the side edge with the opening rim with six indentations. Mid Century Modern glass bowl by Orrefors, circa 1960s, designed by Lars Hellsten. 6 petal bowl known as the Corona bowl. Vintage Modernist design Orrefors Sweden Art Glass Corona Bowl by Lars Hellsten. This elegant six-sided petal bowl is a remarkable piece of art, reflecting exquisite attention to detail. Beautiful solid glass bowl...
Crystal
Orrefors 'Corona' Crystal Bowl, Vintage Swedish Design, Circa 1970
By Orrefors
Located in Raleigh, US
Orrefors Swedish ‘Corona’ Heavy Crystal Bowl This exquisite vintage crystal bowl from Orrefors, a renowned Swedish glass manufacturer, combines classic elegance with modern design. ...
Crystal
