Kosta Lindstrand "La Santa Maria" Very Large Vase Engraved Christopher Columbus Ship

This large clear Swedish crystal vase was designed by Vicke Lindstrand and made by Kosta Glassworks. It features an engraved, fifteenth-century sailing vessel, named "La Santa Maria." This was one of the three ships that Christopher Columbus sailed from Europe to North America in 1492. Along with the ship, there is a compass rose, marked with the directions, Norr, Syd, Öst, and Väst. I have never seen another like it. The body of the vase has an elliptical shape with a slightly flared rim, and it is signed on the base, Kosta. Hitting the books, I discovered that this was style LG 287, and it was included in the Kosta 2 catalog, published in 1959. The vase measures 10.25" high x 7" across x 3.5" deep, and it weighs about 6 pounds. There are no notable flaws.

The artist, Vicke Lindstrand (1904-1983) was born in Goteborg, Sweden, and started his career with Orrefors in 1928, where he remained until 1940. Between 1943 and 1950 he became creative leader at Uppsala Ekeby, where he designed many different stoneware objects ranging from pots to figural sculptures. In 1950 he joined Kosta Glasbruk as an artistic director. He was the dominant designer until his retirement in 1973, lending his name to many now-classic designs. As a glass designer, textile and ceramic designer, and painter, he is considered a pioneer of Swedish art.

This impressive vase would be a wonderful addition to a collection of Scandinavian art glass, or as a special display feature in nautical decor. Kosta glassworks is Sweden’s oldest continuously operating glassworks. The furnaces there have been lit since 1742. Today's Kosta Boda is one of the world’s leading brands of glassware and art glass.