Rare Set of Two Målerås Crystal "Nike" Masq Sculptures by Mats Jonasson, Sweden 1990s, Signed, Boxes Included

This is a rare set of two "Nike" crystal sculptures by Mats Jonasson for Målerås Glassworks, Sweden, 1990s. They are each signed, and each comes in its original box. The condition of the sculptures is perfect and the boxes are in great shape, too.

This remarkable pair of black and clear/white sculptures are part of the Målerås Masq Collection, which comes with the assurance of individual approval by the artist, Mats Jonasson. The 28% lead crystal is finished in a stunning mix of highly polished and beautifully matte glass, using several techniques to achieve a distinctive look and feel.

The subject of the sculptures, Nike, was the goddess of victory in Greek mythology. She was depicted as having wings, hence her alternative name "Winged Goddess". Nike was the daughter of the Titan Pallas and the goddess Styx, sister of Kratos (power), Bia (Force) and Zelus (zeal). The four siblings were companions of Zeus, and Nike had the role of the divine charioteer, flying above battlefields and giving glory to the victors.

Mats Jonasson, Swedish glass artist, was born in 1945, and he is the third generation of Master Glass Craftsmen. He developed new techniques for sandblasting crystal and new ideas for designs with crystal. Jonasson has been singular in capturing wildlife portrayals in handmade crystal, and his feeling for shape, his accuracy of style, and his detail is totally individual and has gained him recognition with crystal and glass collectors throughout the world.