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.
Engraved Anatomical Heart Model Crystal Art Glass Decor Paperweight
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Laser Engraved Anatomical Human Heart Model Crystal Art Glass Decor Paperweight. Rectangular shape with a 3D human heart model. Great to use as a paperweight or decor for a heart doc...
Art Glass
Orrefors Sweden Martti Rytkönen Crystal Elephant Orrefors Glass Paperweight
By Orrefors
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Orrefors Sweden Crystal Elephant, the Zoo Collection by Martti Rytkönen. This beautiful Orrefors crystal elephant paperweight from Sweden designed by Martti Rytkönen is a true minima...
Crystal
Single "Cailloux" Paperweight by Roberto Sambonet for Baccarat, 1977
By Baccarat
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Single "Cailloux" Paperweight by Roberto Sambonet for Baccarat, 1977. Rare paperweight from the "Cailloux" or "Pebbles" series designed by Roberto Sambonet for Baccarat in 1975-77. Polished on all sides, its design was meant to recall a sea stone smoothed down by the crashing of the waves. Sambonet also designed the "Cailloux" to highlight the exceptional qualities of Baccarat crystal; feeling weighty and perfectly smooth in the hand, and resembling a crystal clear cube of ice. This 6x6x6cm design was the foundation of the series. References: "Design: Roberto Sambonet" Federico Motta Editore, 1993 "Roberto Sambonet, design, grafico, artista (1924-1995)" exhibition catalog, 2008 "BACCARAT nouvelles formes d'art design par Roberto Sambonet" brochure, 1977 BACCARAT Clear Crystal Cube Paperweight. From the French luxury crystal Maison Baccarat, a beautiful clear transparent cube paperweight or decorative object. Acid stamped marked "Baccarat France", cube shaped crystal paperweight with rounded edges. Dimensions: 2 inches tall and 2 inches wide. Condition: Minor surface wearing. Collectible Baccarat Crystal Paperweight...
Crystal
Murano Vintage Heart Shape Art Glass Paperweight Cobalt Blue, Yellow and Murine
By Fratelli Toso, Murano Glass Sommerso
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Murano Vintage Yellow Heart Glass With Bubbles Paperweight Desk Accessory. Beautiful Murano Art Glass Cobalt Blue and Yellow Heart Shaped Paperweight...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Orrefors Crystal Votive Candle Holder by Lars Hellsten, Sweden, 1970s
By Lars Hellsten, Orrefors
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Orrefors Sweden Crystal by Lars Hellsten circa 1970s. The Swedish crystal bowl designed by sculptor Lars Hellsten for Orrefors, marked with needle-...
Crystal
Rush Dougherty The Ice Palace Sevres Cristal France Signed Crystal Paperweight
By Cristalleries De Sevres
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Cristal De Sevres French Crystal Sculpture "The Ice Palace" signed by Rush Dougherty Sevres France. Beautiful paperweight sculpture by Rush Dough...
Crystal
Baccarat French Crystal Heart Paperweight Decorative Object
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
A French puffed crystal heart paperweight decorative object from luxury Maison Baccarat, circa late-20th century to early-21st century, France. 'Puffed' heart is clear/transparent cr...
Crystal
Art Glass Heart Paperweight Decorative Object
By Robert Held
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and substantial art glass heart paperweight or decorative object by artist Robet Held, circa late-20th century. Heart is a light to medium green art glass with touches of...
Art Glass
Vintage Clear Glass Heart Shaped Paperweight Wayne Husted for Blenko
By Blenko Glass
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage clear glass heart shaped paperweight by Wayne Husted for Blenko, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 3.75"W x 3.5"D ...
Blown Glass
St. Louis Heart Shaped Diamond Cut Glass Paper Weight. Signed.
Located in Milan, IT
t. Louis Heart Shaped Diamond Cut Glass Paper Weight. Signed
Glass
Art Glass Heart Paperweight Decorative Object
By Robert Held
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and substantial art glass heart paperweight or decorative object by artist Robet Held, circa late-20th century. Heart is a light green art glass with touches of blue and ...
Art Glass
Orrefors Valentino Votive Clear
Located in Wilkes Barre, PA
Valentino Votive candle holder from Orrefors is shaped like a heart and made of thick, clear crystal with soft edges giving it a gentle, rounded look. It is suitable for either votive or tealight candles. Designed by Martti Rytkönen.
Crystal
