Kosta Lindstrand a Boy and His Toy Boat Engraved Swedish Crystal Vase

This vase was designed by Vicke Lindstrand in the 1950's at Kosta Glassworks. Lindstrand called it, "Happy Boy", and it has been said that the boy is Lindstrand's son, Ola. Note that the naked child is modestly posed, and the Swedish culture sees nude kids at the beach as perfectly normal. The vase is a nice size for an accent piece in your home, an addition to your collection, or a special gift. It measures 4.5 inches x 3 inches x 7.5 inches high and weighs 1.5 pounds.

The artist, Vicke Lindstrand (1904-1983) was born in Goteborg, Sweden, and started his career with Orrefors in 1928, where he remained until 1940. When he left Orrefors, he was under an agreement not to work in glass for a decade. Between 1943 and 1950 he was 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. (He is also my favorite Swedish artist, and the one whose work I collect most.)