Orrefors Vicke Lindstrand 1930s Saint Francis of Assisi Engraved Vase, Special Gift

Designed by Vicke (Victor Emanuel) Lindstrand in 1934, and copper-wheel engraved by Bertil Gustavsson in 1947, this hand blown glass 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 filled engraved glass from earlier artists, Lindstrand employed powerful central figures, filling the vase with human and animal subjects. This is among his earliest designs, and belying its eighty years, it sparkles nearly flawlessly.

Vicke Lindstrand (1904-1983) was born in Goteborg, Sweden, and started his career with Orrefors in 1928, where he remained until 1940. He pioneered daring art glass designs at Orrefors, and together with designer Edvin Öhrström and master engraver Knut Bergqvist, he invented the Ariel technique. The tales of his departure vary, but it is known that he was under an agreement not to work in glass for a decade. 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. (He is also my favorite Swedish artist, and the one whose work I collect most.)

This beautiful vase is significant in size 5.75" x 5.75" x 7.75" (146mm x 146mm x 178mm), but not as heavy as one might expect, weighing 3.34 pounds (1.5kg). The style code 1352 tells me it was designed in 1934, as it appears in Orrefors Catalog 9. The production date code A4 means that this particular vase was made in 1938, and the engraver's mark belongs to Bertil Gustavsson, who worked at Orrefors from 1926-1975. Wow.

I hope this vase finds a new home with someone who can appreciate its timeless poignancy and its rich history. If you have questions I haven't answered, please ask; I could go on and on...

Thanks for reading. Peace!