Orrefors Lindstrand Crystal Optic Vase Engraved Ship on the Waves

Designed by Vicke (Victor Emanuel) Lindstrand in 1937, this heavy, round vase is hand blown and copper-wheel engraved. The glass is manipulated while hot to create ripples in it, giving the impression of water. It is about 7.5 inches tall and 4.5 inches in diameter, and it weighs 2.25 pounds. This particular piece was made in 1956; I don't know the mark of the engraver.

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. Lindstrand is considered a pioneer of Swedish art. (He is also my favorite Swedish artist, and the one whose work I collect most.)

The Orrefors story began in 1726, when an ironworks and smith was built near “the beautiful river that flows into Lake Orranäs” in the Swedish countryside. It was given the name Orrefors, which means “the Orre waterfall.” ("Orre" is the Swedish name for the black grouse, which is the bird seen on their iconic labels.) The foundry was converted to a glassworks in 1898, as the demand for iron decreased. By the mid-1920s, Orrefors was celebrated for the quality and beauty of its glass.