Naked Cupid Kosta Bergh - Widholm 1930s Engraved Lead Crystal Vase

This spectacular vase comes from a series of Elis Bergh's work based on illustrations by Swedish artist and illustrator, Gunnar Widholm. The wild-haired cupid is fully nude, his arrow poised and ready to shoot.

The vase is heavy, weighing almost 3 pounds and measuring 4.5" x 2.5" x 7". It has marvelously planed sides, beveled edges and rim, and a notch cut all around it, near the bottom, forming a pedestal. It was engraved using the traditional copper-wheel method, one that required incredible skill. The piece shows fine scratches to its base and other small imperfections, but overall is in better than expected condition for its age.

Between 1928 and 1950, Elis Bergh was the artistic leader of Kosta glass mill . After 1950 until his death in 1954 he appeared as a consultant to Kosta. He came to Kosta for an architectural assignment in which he was to design an interior at the mill. In 1928 he was called back to draw lighting fixtures, an area in which he considered was an authority. As an artistic director he stood for the graceful yet modern design that characterized Kosta's production during the interwar period.