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.
Iittala Tantrapallo Purple and Clear Scandinavian Glass Bud Vase
Located in New York, NY
Scandinavian op art purple and clear convex glass bud vase. The glass is crafted to reflect light through it's convex sphere, and optical design. Attribued to Iittala Tantrapanto, Fi...
Blown Glass
Tapio Wirkkala Iceberg Still Mold Blown Crystal Vase 3825
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in New York, NY
Tapio Wirkkala still-mold blown crystal "Iceberg" vase. Hand Incised signature to underside: [Tapio Wirkkala 3825]. Measures 7¾ H × 8 W × 7 D in...
Crystal
Swedish Glass Lily of the Valley Vase by Sven Palmqvist for Orrefors
By Sven Palmquist, Orrefors
Located in New York, NY
Sven Palmqvist (1906-1984) designed Swedish glass vase with engraved Lily of the Valley flower motif. Incised signature and number on bottom, ...
Crystal
French 1970's Geometric Design Clear Pressed Glass Vase
By Luminarc
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful geometric shaped three sided clear pressed glass vase with wonderful heavy weight, reflects the light brilliantly. Signed France on bot...
Art Glass
Vintage Orrefors Sweden Crystal Votive Candle Holder
By Orrefors
Located in New York, NY
1980's Scandinavian modern crystal votive candle holder. Hand crafted in Sweden and signed on bottom, Orrefors.
Crystal
Large 1960's German Sculptural Glass Ashtray
Located in New York, NY
1960's German textured glass cigar ashtray with mottled glass around top and surrounding perimeter. where bowl looks as if floating in space. The bottom of the piece has a square ge...
Art Glass
Mid-Century French Art Deco Style Blown Glass Vase
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a dining table, console, or entry with this elegant vintage French blown glass vase, circa 1950. Inspired by the Art Deco aesthetic, ...
Blown Glass
Scandinavian Mid-Century Organic Modern Blown Glass Vase by Timo Sarpaneva
By Timo Sarpaneva
Located in New York, NY
Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern vase in clear thick mold blown glass by Timo Sarpaneva. Rare, small production.
Handblown Glass Vase with Spiral Twist Design
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant handblown clear glass vase features a striking spiral twist design that wraps gracefully around its rounded form, creating a dynamic sense of movement and light reflection. T...
Glass
Glass Vase with Bubble Decoration, France, 1980s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Elegant French glass vase dating from the 1980s, featuring a distinctive sculptural design with an intricate raised bubble pattern covering its entire surface. Crafted from thick transparent glass, this vintage vase showcases a beautiful arrangement of rounded, irregular bubble-like forms that create a striking three-dimensional texture. The organic pattern captures and refracts light, producing fascinating reflections and emphasizing the clarity and depth of the glass. The vase features a gently tapered silhouette, widening toward the top into a generous flared opening with a softly undulating rim. Its substantial glass construction and textured surface give the piece a bold yet refined appearance. Combining organic forms with the playful aesthetic of late 20th-century design, this decorative vase reflects the sculptural qualities associated with vintage French art glass. Perfect for displaying fresh flowers, dried arrangements, or simply as a standalone decorative object, this vase makes an elegant addition to a living room, dining table, console, or contemporary interior. Style : Mid-Century Modern / Postmodern Key Features : - France, 1980s - Sculptural transparent glass vase - Distinctive raised bubble decoration - Thick clear glass construction - Organic three-dimensional surface texture - Irregular rounded glass patterns - Elegant flared opening - Softly undulating rim - Gently tapered silhouette - Substantial decorative glass design - Beautiful light-reflecting properties - Transparent finish with sculptural depth - Vintage French art glass - Decorative and functional design - Suitable for floral arrangements or standalone display Keywords : French glass vase, vintage glass vase, 1980s French glass, bubble glass vase, textured glass vase, sculptural glass vase, clear glass vase, French art glass, vintage French vase, raised bubble decoration, organic glass design, transparent glass vase, postmodern glass vase, mid-century modern glass, decorative glass vessel, flared glass vase...
Glass, Art Glass
Swedish Crystal Vase, Fleur by Orrefors
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Elevate your decor with the Swedish crystal vase "Fleur" by Orrefors. Its sleek design and brilliance make it perfect for flowers or display. W...
Crystal
Thick Glass Vintage Vase
By Orrefors
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice thick glass or crystal vintage vase in style of Orrefors. Measures: 8" high.
