Orrefors Runemalm Swedish Crystal Vase, Art Deco Nude Man and Woman, Engraved 1930s

This vase was likely made at Orrefors Glassworks in Sweden, around 1930. The engraver, and possibly the designer, was Elving Runemalm; you can see his name just below the figures. By the style of the heads and hair, I'd guess that it is an early Art-Deco-influenced piece. I've researched Runemalm and discovered that he was an engraver at Orrefors from 1929-1932. I don't know what he did in the years right after that, but in 1934, Danish designer, Jacob Bang invited him to join him at Holmegaard.

The vase is cylindrical, made of colorless glass, formed with optic ripples inside, and copper-wheel engraved with a nude male and female dancing. The base is marked "Made in Sweden" along with a museum's acquisition number. It is ten inches tall and six inches in diameter at its rim. It is in excellent condition, with only a few scratches to show for its ninety-year life. The piece is not marked in the typical Orrefors manner, but I've consulted with collectors in Sweden, and one confirmed that a Runemalm vase he had was made at Orrefors and dated December 32.

Provenance: Collection of the Birmingham Museum of Art, sold to benefit the Decorative Arts Acquisition Fund, numbered to base "1990.75".