Orrefors Lindstrand Airedale Terrier Dog 1935 Swedish Engraved Crystal Vase Rare

This vintage Swedish glass vase was designed by Vicke Lindstrand in 1935. The design motif is a friendly Airedale Terrier, copper-wheel engraved on a handblown, planed and beveled, lead crystal vase. The markings on the base tell me that this combination of motif and paneled vase was designed in 1935 as item 1403. The date code, A6, means that this specific piece was made in 1940, and it was engraved by Thure Löfgren. The overall condition is very good, with lots of age scratches on the base. I have never seen another like it.

This vase was on the cutting edge of a new design movement in Sweden in the early 20th century. In place of the traditional filigree and flourishes that decorated earlier engraved glass, Lindstrand was one of the first to employ strong, single figures, adorning the vase with human and animal subjects. This is a heavy piece, weighing 2.5 pounds and standing 4 inches tall.

Vicke Lindstrand (1904-1983) was born in Goteborg, Sweden, and started his career with Orrefors in 1928, where he remained until 1940. 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. (He is also my favorite Swedish artist, and the one whose work I collect most.)